William Henry Leary (June 5, 1881 - April 8, 1957)[1] was the Dean of the University of Utah College of Law, now known as the S.J. Quinney College of Law, from 1915 to 1950.[2]
Leary was born in Hatfield, Massachusetts in 1881.[3] He received a Bachelor of Arts from Amherst College in 1903,[4] and a Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago Law School in 1908.[3]
A student favorite, Leary was known to use Jack Dempsey anecdotes to illustrate principles of both assault and battery. He once wrote, "I'd like to see a freer discussion of philosophical questions, a broader more tolerant attitude, a deeper respect for others and a truly intellectual atmosphere."
The College of Law continues to honor Mr. Leary with the Leary Lecture, an annual lecture since 1965.[5]