William & Mary Law School Honors Dartmouth's William Fischel with 2025 Brigham-Kanner Property Rights Prize

Williamsburg, VA – The 22nd Annual Brigham-Kanner Property Rights Conference is currently in session at William & Mary Law School, where it is honoring Professor William A. Fischel of Dartmouth College with its prestigious 2025 Property Rights Prize. The conference, a leading forum for property law scholars and practitioners, is taking place on October 23-24, 2025. Robert Thomas, from inversecondemnation.com, announced the event on social media, stating, "We're underway with the Brigham-Kanner Property Rights Conference @WMLawSchool, where we're honoring Prof William Fischel (Dartmouth)."

Professor Fischel, Professor of Economics and Hardy Professor of Legal Studies, Emeritus, at Dartmouth College, is recognized for his extensive and influential contributions to the understanding of property, local governance, and land-use institutions. His scholarship, notably his 2001 book “The Homevoter Hypothesis,” has profoundly shaped contemporary discussions on zoning, regulatory takings, and the economic impact of property ownership on local government policies. James Y. Stern, Professor of Law at William & Mary Law School and Director of its Property Rights Project, remarked, "His work has helped illuminate the complex and critical role that property, local governance, and land-use institutions plays in preserving individual liberty and economic vitality."

The conference features a distinguished roster of speakers addressing various aspects of property rights. Among those presenting are Julia Mahoney of the University of Virginia, M. Nolan Gray, Donald Kochan, Jonathan Adler, and James Y. Stern, who is also a key organizer of the event. These experts are contributing to robust discussions on emerging issues in property rights litigation and comparative law perspectives.

Established in 2004, the Brigham-Kanner Property Rights Conference is named in recognition of Toby Prince Brigham and Gideon Kanner for their lifetime contributions to private property rights. The annual prize celebrates individuals whose work has significantly advanced the understanding and awareness of the fundamental importance of property rights. The event continues to serve as a vital platform for intellectual exchange, reinforcing the critical role of property rights in a free and flourishing society.