David Ross Howarth is a British academic, legal scholar, and politician whose career spans public service, political leadership, and legal academia. Born in 1958, Howarth has established a distinguished career at the University of Cambridge, where he serves as Professor of Law and Public Policy. His academic work focuses on a broad range of public and private law areas, often incorporating empirical research to analyze legal systems and practices.
As an author, Howarth has contributed significantly to legal literature. His notable publications include Textbook on Tort and Law as Engineering: Thinking about What Lawyers Do, alongside numerous articles in academic journals and chapters in scholarly books. His writing often explores the practical and theoretical applications of law, examining how legal frameworks function in society and how lawyers approach their professional roles.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Howarth has been actively involved in British politics and public policy. He served as the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Cambridge from 2005 to 2010 and was previously the Leader of Cambridge City Council. His public service also includes a tenure as an Electoral Commissioner from 2010 to 2018, as well as membership on the Liberal Democrats' Federal Policy Committee, reflecting his ongoing engagement with policy-making and governance.
