Barbara E. Armacost

Barbara E. Armacost is a distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Virginia School of Law, where she has made significant contributions to the fields of criminal procedure, policing and the law, religious liberty, and civil rights litigation. Her scholarly work often explores the intersections of law and religion, particularly Christianity and law, and she is deeply invested in the study of torts. Armacost is renowned for her insightful analyses and proposals for organizational culture reform within police departments, a subject on which she has written extensively. Armacost's academic journey is marked by her impressive achievements at the University of Virginia School of Law, where she earned her J.D. with distinction. During her time there, she was recognized with multiple awards and served as the notes editor for the prestigious Virginia Law Review. Her legal acumen was further honed through her clerkship with Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, an experience that provided her with invaluable insights into the judicial process. Before embarking on her legal career, Armacost amassed considerable experience in the healthcare sector. She graduated from the University of Virginia School of Nursing and held various leadership roles within the nursing profession. This unique background in medicine and law allows her to bring a multifaceted perspective to her teaching and research, enriching her contributions to legal scholarship. In addition to her academic and professional pursuits, Armacost served as an attorney adviser in the Office of Legal Counsel at the U.S. Department of Justice. This role enabled her to engage with complex legal issues at the national level, further broadening her expertise and understanding of the law's practical applications. Armacost's work is characterized by a commitment to justice and reform, particularly in the context of policing and civil rights. Her dedication to these areas is reflected in her ongoing research and advocacy, as she continues to influence both academic discourse and public policy. Her unique blend of legal and medical knowledge positions her as a leading voice in discussions about law enforcement, civil liberties, and the role of religion in legal contexts.