Ordered Liberty Program

The Ordered Liberty Program at the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law offers students a unique opportunity to explore the philosophical and constitutional foundations of law through research, mentorship, and global academic exchange. Focused on ideas like natural rights, the common good, and the separation of powers, the program fosters thoughtful engagement with legal theory and civic life. Through fellowships, curated coursework, and international initiatives, students deepen their understanding of how law shapes—and is shaped by—principles of justice, order, and liberty.

Overview & Objectives

The Ordered Liberty Program (OLP) engages law students in the serious study of constitutional law and political theory, with an emphasis on the principles that support a free and just society. Founded by Professor Luke Milligan and Judge Justin Walker, OLP encourages critical thought and scholarship through a variety of academic, professional, and community initiatives.

OLP explores foundational legal concepts including:

• Natural Law & Natural Rights
• The Common Good
• Subsidiarity
• Separation of Powers
• Constitutional Interpretation

To foster inquiry and leadership in these areas, the program supports several student-focused initiatives:

• The Ordered Liberty Fellowship Program
• The Ordered Liberty Curriculum
• The Ordered Liberty Speaker Series
• The Ordered Liberty School in Central Europe

Through rigorous scholarship, mentoring, and international dialogue, the Ordered Liberty Program empowers students to think deeply about the structure and purpose of law—and prepares them to contribute meaningfully to the legal profession and public discourse.

Why Ordered Liberty?

The name Ordered Liberty reflects a central idea in constitutional democracy: liberty does not exist in a vacuum—it flourishes within a framework of laws, institutions, and shared moral understandings. OLP invites students to explore this balance through study and dialogue grounded in legal history and constitutional interpretation.

The program’s work is inspired by Kentucky’s own legacy of civic learning. In 1798, the Commonwealth vested land for the establishment of the Jefferson Seminary, which would become the University of Louisville. The Kentucky General Assembly affirmed the purpose of this investment: to “illuminate, as far as possible, the minds of the people,” and prepare future leaders to safeguard liberty through knowledge of history, law, and governance.

Ordered Liberty Fellowship

Each year, OLP selects a small cohort of Ordered Liberty Fellows—law students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a commitment to public service.

Fellows:

• Participate in regular dinner-discussions hosted by judges, academics, and legal practitioners
• Assist with research and writing on constitutional and theoretical topics
• Attend retreats focused on the study of natural law and political philosophy
• Engage with scholars through the program’s U.S. and Central European initiatives

The Fellowship offers a tight-knit community, access to professional networks, and rich opportunities for legal and academic growth. Applications are by invitation following admission to the law school.

Connect With Us

To learn more about the Ordered Liberty Program or how to support its mission, contact:

Program Director
Professor Luke Milligan
olp@louisville.edu