Sam McGee's Academic Journey at Arizona State University
Sam McGee, a distinguished senior at Arizona State University (ASU), is on the cusp of graduation, marking a significant milestone in his academic career with honors. As a member of Barrett, The Honors College, McGee's research contributions, particularly through the BRIDGS (Bringing Research and Innovation into the Debate on Guns and Society) Initiative, have begun to resonate within the academic community. He is set to receive his degree in journalism and mass communication this May from the renowned Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Following this achievement, he will embark on a new chapter as he prepares to attend the UCLA School of Law this fall, having been accepted into four prestigious law schools.
McGee attributes his successful academic journey to his Barrett honors thesis, which delves into the intricacies of the Second Amendment. He expressed a desire to intertwine his passions for journalism and legal research, stating, “I wanted a thesis that would combine both my writing passions in journalism, as well as some of the legal research that I'd found myself to be interested in.” His thesis explores the evolving landscape of Second Amendment law, particularly in light of the Supreme Court's recent decisions, which he views as a new frontier in legal scholarship.
Innovative Research and Recognition
During his time at ASU, McGee developed a keen interest in constitutional law, specifically focusing on how recent judicial rulings, such as the Supreme Court's decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen, could reshape the legal understanding of constitutional rights. This landmark 2022 ruling declared that a New York law mandating applicants for concealed carry licenses to demonstrate a specific need was unconstitutional, thus affirming that the right to bear arms in public is a fundamental constitutional right protected by the Second Amendment.
By tracing the ideological roots of the Bruen decision back to Justice Clarence Thomas’s early engagement with Black radical politics and free-market principles, McGee's thesis aims to illuminate the future trajectory of Second Amendment jurisprudence and the intellectual influences that shape it. His innovative approach did not go unnoticed; he was honored with the Barrett Outstanding Researcher Award and Barrett Downtown’s Gold Standard Award for Best Thesis, accolades that reflect the originality and depth of his work.
McGee's research found a fitting home within the BRIDGS initiative, which emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue in understanding complex societal issues related to firearms. Jennifer Carlson, the founding director of BRIDGS, noted McGee's project as exemplary of the initiative's mission, highlighting how it merges historical and sociological perspectives with contemporary legal debates. Under the mentorship of Alex Trimble Young, a faculty fellow at Barrett, McGee was able to forge significant connections between his thesis work and broader discussions on race and politics, ultimately leading to the creation of an extraordinary interdisciplinary thesis.
Moreover, McGee's collaboration with experts like Jacob Charles, an associate professor of law at Pepperdine University's Caruso School of Law, has further enriched his academic experience. Thanks to Barrett’s External Examiner program, McGee was able to incorporate insights from leading scholars directly into his research. Charles commended McGee's work as “creative, original, and incisive,” underscoring his passion for law and justice.
As McGee reflects on his academic journey, he acknowledges the profound support he received, which has made the world of academia feel more accessible. He anticipates that the field of Second Amendment law will continue to evolve rapidly, emphasizing the need for ongoing engagement and awareness. Currently, he is not only a student researcher at the BRIDGS Initiative but also a legal intern at Doran Justice, a law firm in Phoenix, where he aims to further explore the dynamic landscape surrounding gun laws and their societal implications.
“I'm very excited to embark on the next step,” McGee stated, looking forward to his future in law and research.
As reported by news.asu.edu.
