Eric Hilgendorf

Prof. Dr. Dr. Eric Hilgendorf completed his secondary education in Ansbach and did his military service near Würzburg. He studied philosophy, modern history and law in Tübingen, graduating with a master's thesis on parliamentary freedom of speech. This was followed by a doctorate in philosophy on ‘Argumentation in Jurisprudence’ and a doctorate in law on criminal producer liability in the risk society (awarded the Reinhold and Maria Teufel Foundation Prize). In 1996, he qualified as a professor in criminal law, criminal procedure law and legal philosophy with his thesis ‘On the distinction between statements of fact and value judgements in criminal law’.

A professor since 1997 (initially in Konstanz, where he was also dean), he has held the chair for criminal law, criminal procedure law, legal theory, information law and legal informatics in Würzburg since 2001. In 2010, he founded the RobotRecht research centre and was also dean of the Faculty of Law there (2010–2012).

His main areas of expertise are AI and robotics law, media and bio-criminal law, bioethics, protection of honour and life, fundamental issues, legal philosophy and comparative law.