The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) is deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Professor John S. Baker, a respected legal scholar, educator and longtime friend of TFAS. Professor Baker passed away on September 6, 2025, at the age of 79.

John was a dedicated professor who had a passion for America’s founding principles and teaching undergraduates and law students about those principles. He was an expert on The Federalist Papers, which he brought to life in his courses.” – Steve Slattery, TFAS EVP and COO 

A devoted advocate for constitutional government and the rule of law, Professor Baker brought intellect, passion and unwavering commitment to his work. Since joining the TFAS academic community in 2007, he played a vital role in shaping the education of future leaders in law through the Summer Law Fellowship.

He also taught TFAS students in Hong Kong from 2008 to 2011 where he offered courses such as Liberty, Constitutionalism and Economic Development and Constitutional Law: The Federalist Understanding. Through these programs, Professor Baker inspired students both in Washington, D.C., and abroad, deepening their appreciation for America’s founding principles.

Professor Baker’s commitment to constitutional education extended beyond TFAS. While serving as faculty advisor to the Federalist Society student chapter at Louisiana State University Law Center, he helped foster a vibrant community of students dedicated to the principles of limited government and constitutional order.

John Dimos, major gift officer at TFAS and former chairman of the LSU Federalist Society chapter, recalled, “I had the privilege of having him as my professor for one of my Constitutional law classes. John was a brilliant guy who really enjoyed teaching and seeing his students understand the principles on which our country was founded.”

Professor Baker’s distinguished academic career spanned decades and continents. He served as the Dale E. Bennett Professor of Law at Louisiana State University’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center before becoming Emeritus Professor. His influence reached far beyond LSU, with visiting appointments at prestigious institutions including Georgetown University Law Center, NYU, Oxford’s Oriel College and Hong Kong University, among others.

A leading authority on originalism, federalism, natural law, and the separation of powers, Professor Baker also made his mark as an advocate. In 1984, he argued the notable religious liberty case Wallace v. Jaffree before the United States Supreme Court. His ability to translate theory into practice inspired generations of legal minds.

His commitment to civic education extended beyond the classroom. A key figure in the Federalist Society, Professor Baker co-taught the organization’s renowned Separation of Powers Seminar alongside Justice Antonin Scalia for two decades—an experience frequently described by alumni as a formative highlight of their legal careers.

TFAS Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Steve Slattery remembered Professor Baker as both a scholar and a teacher who made the Constitution come alive in the classroom.

“John was a dedicated professor who had a passion for America’s founding principles and teaching undergraduates and law students about those principles,” Slattery said. “He was an expert on The Federalist Papers, which he brought to life in his courses.”

Professor Baker earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Dallas, a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and a Ph.D. from the University of London. He was a Fulbright Fellow and held numerous visiting positions throughout his career, reflecting the breadth of his scholarship and the depth of his commitment to educating future leaders.

TFAS is honored to have counted Professor Baker as part of our academic community. His legacy lives on in the lives of the students he inspired and in the enduring principles he so fiercely defended.

Professor Baker’s son, Michael Baker ’10, PPF ’16, is a TFAS alumnus, continuing the Baker family’s TFAS legacy.

We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Dayle, his family, and all those who were touched by his life and work.