Samuel D. Estep, professor of law, retired from active faculty status on May 31, 1989, after a dedicated career of teaching and research. Born in Topeka, Kansas, Professor Estep received his A.B. degree from Kansas State Teachers College in 1940. He then enrolled in the University of Michigan Law School, where his studies were interrupted by service in the United States Navy. He returned to the University of Michigan in 1945, and earned his J.D. degree in 1946. For two years following graduation, he practiced law with a Detroit law firm. Professor Estep joined the faculty of the University of Michigan Law School in 1948 as an assistant professor; he was promoted to associate professor in 1951 and professor in 1954.

Professor Estep devoted his career to teaching in such diverse fields as constitutional law, commercial law, and science and the law. His work as a scholar has been devoted primarily to topics drawn from his interest in science and the law. Together with Dean E. Blythe Stason and Professor William J. Pierce, he co-authored the path-breaking book, Atoms and the Law. Earlier, the same team had published State Regulation of Atomic Energy, and Professor Estep published many law review articles on the legal problems that would emerge from the peacetime use of atomic energy. Professor Estep also was one of the pioneers in the legal literature dealing with space communications, and he has remained active in the broad field of science and the law.

Over the years, Professor Estep also contributed to his profession, the University, and outside constituencies by his active participation in committee work and community projects. In 1973, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Kansas State Teachers College. Professor Estep has been highly regarded by his students as a fine, interesting, and gentle teacher; he has continually earned strong marks in student course evaluations. In 1988, his final year as a full-time teacher, the Law School Student Senate recognized his contributions by awarding him the Francis Allen Award.

The Regents now salute this accomplished scholar and educator for his dedicated service to the University by naming Samuel D. Estep Professor Emeritus of Law.