Yvonne M. Pitts

Yvonne M. Pitts has revolutionized understanding of American legal culture and constitutional history through her extensive research and scholarship. As an Associate Professor in the College of Liberal Arts at Purdue University, she has made significant contributions to the fields of American legal and constitutional history, citizenship, sexual regulation, and the history of sexuality. Her interdisciplinary approach is further enriched by her affiliated faculty positions in American Studies, Critical Disability Studies, and Women's Gender and Sexuality Studies. Dr. Pitts earned her Ph.D. from the University of Iowa in 2006, where she honed her expertise in legal history and developed a keen interest in the intersections of law, society, and culture. Her scholarly work is characterized by a deep exploration of how legal frameworks have shaped and been shaped by societal norms and values, particularly in the context of sexuality and citizenship. Her acclaimed book, "Family, Law, and Inheritance in America: A Social and Legal History of Nineteenth Century Kentucky," has been recognized with the prestigious Cromwell Foundation Book Prize from the American Society for Legal History. This work delves into the intricate relationships between family, law, and inheritance, offering a nuanced understanding of how legal practices influenced social structures in 19th-century America. Currently, Dr. Pitts is engaged in a groundbreaking project that examines the regulation of vice and sex work in the 19th century. This research seeks to uncover the ways in which legal actors understood and managed issues related to morality and sexuality, shedding light on the broader implications for legal and social history. Her research interests extend to the history of criminality and queer history, where she investigates the complex narratives surrounding LGBTQ+ communities and their interactions with legal systems. Through her work, Dr. Pitts continues to challenge conventional narratives and contribute to a more inclusive understanding of American legal history. Dr. Pitts is not only a dedicated researcher but also a passionate educator, committed to fostering critical thinking and intellectual curiosity among her students. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of understanding historical contexts to better comprehend contemporary legal and social issues.