Emeritus Professor of Law
Professional Focus
Professor Pannier is interested in the metaphysical, moral, and legal philosophy of Aquinas, the concept of a rule, deductive and inductive logic, normative inference, theories of justice, legal positivism, the relationship between belief, desire, and volition, the nature of universals, and English and American legal history.
“Law is inherently coercive and human liberty is an intrinsic good. Hence, laws are morally justifiable only if their coercive impact is outweighed by their contribution to the common good. Lawyers are uniquely suited to make such assessments with intelligence and moral wisdom. Legal educators should do their best to prepare future lawyers to do the same.”
Education
B.A., 1964, Olivet College
M.A., 1969, Harvard University
J.D., 1974, University of Minnesota Law School
Experience
Mitchell Hamline School of Law: emeritus professor of law, 2015-.
William Mitchell College of Law: emeritus professor of law, 2006-2015; professor of law, 1983-2006; associate professor of law, 1981-83; assistant professor of law, 1979-81.
University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, lecturer in Logic, 1983-89.
Hvass, Weisman & King, Minneapolis, associate attorney, 1974-79.
Admitted: Minnesota, 1974.
Leadership & Service
Member, University of Minnesota Institutional Review Board
Research & Scholarship
Currently working on a book on Aquinas’s metaphysics, a book on Aquinas’s moral and legal philosophy, and a system of deontic logic
