Professor Emeritus Raymond I. Parnas: 1937-2009

Professor Emeritus Raymond Parnas died on January 1, 2009, after suffering a stroke three days earlier. Born in St. Louis, Professor Parnas received his undergraduate and J.D. law degree from Washington University in St. Louis, and went on to receive a Masters and S.J.D from the University of Wisconsin. He taught for more than 30 years at King Hall, focusing on criminal procedure, juvenile justice and family law and serving on numerous Law School committees.

Professor Parnas was hired by the Law School in July 1969 and taught courses including Basic and Advanced Criminal Procedure, Sentencing and Criminal Justice Reform, Juvenile Justice, Family Law, and others until his retirement in 1994.  He was recalled to teach each academic year from 1995-2001.  Professor Parnas was an innovative teacher who often staged mock crimes in his classroom to foster discussion and was popular with students.  He was a co-author of California's Determinate Sentencing Law, enacted in 1977, which changed the way prison sentences are assigned in the state.  He also co-authored several law text books that continue to be used in law schools across the country today.

Professor Parnas is survived by his two sons Andrew and Daniel, grandchildren Lindsey and Ryan, his brother Neal and wife Raquel, his stepsons Sheldon (Lisa), Daniel and Norman (Karen) and their children Samantha, Leo and Sam.