The Program on Faith, Values, and the Rule of Law was established at Seton Hall University's School of Law to examine how the world’s great religious, theological, and philosophical traditions have contributed to the understanding of justice and human dignity that underpins modern rule of law principles, and to the virtues and practices that support human flourishing and just governance. The program is designed to bring together a diverse learning community coupled with a curriculum focusing on the intersection of how religious, moral and spiritual systems have impacted the rule of law and legal systems, and how faith practices over the course of history have confronted issues like love, justice, ethical leadership, and social impact.
The following questions spurred the creation of the Program:
These are pressing questions in a time when it seems basic civility and decency have been abandoned. But they are not new questions – in fact, they are as old as humanity itself. The Program on Faith, Values, and the Rule of Law was established to provide a forum for scholars, students, faith communities, and practitioners in law, ministry, and policy to discuss these enduring themes. The program is designed not only to explore the history and philosophy of law, but to prepare reflective leaders equipped to address today’s global challenges with clarity, empathy, and conviction.
The Program includes a year-long hybrid course delving into how religious, moral and spiritual frameworks intersect with legal systems, leadership and social impact. In this pursuit, participants engage deeply with sources from Jewish, Christian, Islamic, Hindu, Indigenous and secular traditions. The course invites a diverse learning community including law students, graduate and undergraduate students, seminarians and adult learners. The course combines asynchronous online modules with in-person “Convivium”— gatherings that include guest speakers, interactive conversations, small group discussions, lectures and shared meals. The community format encourages students from all academic backgrounds and faith perspectives to engage with foundational texts and traditions that have influenced legal and ethical thinking across time and cultures to cultivate an ethical, reflective and civil approach to justice and the rule of law.
The Program is pleased to announce that registration is now open to adult learners to enroll in the Faith, Values, and the Rule of Law course that will run August 22, 2026 - May 2, 2027. If you an adult learner seeking to learn more about the relationship between faith, values and the rule of law, then this is the course for you and we would be honored to welcome you to the course. Come join our community and earn a professional development certificate from Seton Hall University after completing the course. The course is open to anyone with an interest in the law, religion, theology, history, literature, and other disciplines. No prior experience is required to participate, only a genuine interest in the course themes. The year-long course cost is $1,299 and there are scholarships available, but they are limited. To learn more about the course and to register, please visit the registration portal.
