Journal of Air Law and Commerce
Peer-reviewed journal covering aviation law since 1930.
The Journal of Air Law and Commerce, originally launched as the Journal of Air Law, is a peer-reviewed academic publication focused on aviation law. It is produced by Southern Methodist University (SMU) in partnership with its Dedman School of Law. The current Editor-in-Chief is Jenny Hulse, and the Managing Editor is Cameron King.
The Law Institute first announced plans for the journal in 1929, intending it to cover air law, aeronautical law, air property law, and radio law, drawing comparisons with international counterparts like France’s *Droit Aerien*, Germany’s *Zeitschrift fur das Luftrecht*, and Italy’s *II Diritto Aronautica*. Fred Dow Fagg established the journal in 1930 while at Northwestern University, where it was tied to the university’s Air Law Institute. Fagg served as editor-in-chief until 1937. As interest in air law waned, the Institute lost funding and dwindled, leaving the journal as its main remaining activity. Publication was suspended between October 1942 and January 1947. In 1961, the journal moved to Southern Methodist University, where it continues to be published. Fagg’s role in founding the journal earned him the Federal Aviation Administration’s Distinguished Service Award in 1976.
Each year, the journal hosts a symposium in collaboration with SMU’s Dedman School of Law.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Journal of Air Law and Commerce
- Discipline
- Law
- Former Names
- Journal of Air Law
- Abbreviation
- J. Air Law Commer.
- Bluebook
- J. Air L. & Com.
- Publisher
- Southern Methodist University
- Editor
- Jenny Hulse
- Country
- United States
- Frequency
- Quarterly
- History
- 1930
- Issn
- 0021-8642
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The intention to publish the journal was announced by the Law Institute in 1929, with a dedication to air law, aeronautical law, air property law, and radio law. It was compared with international journals such as the French Droit Aerien, the German Zeitschrift fur das Luftrecht, and the Italian II Diritto Aronautica. The journal was established in 1930 by Fred Dow Fagg while he was working at Northwestern University, and it was associated with Northwestern's Air Law Institute. Fagg remained its editor-in-chief until 1937. After the subject of air law became less popular, the Institute suffered from a lack of funding that caused it to wither, eventually leaving the journal as its principal activity. The journal was not published between October 1942 and January 1947. In 1961 it moved to Southern Methodist University, from where it is still published. The creation of the journal resulted in Fagg receiving the Federal Aviation Administration's Distinguished Service Award in 1976.
Reader's Guide
The Journal of Air Law and Commerce holds a significant place in the field of aviation law as one of the earliest dedicated academic journals in the discipline. Its founding in 1930 by Fred Dow Fagg at Northwestern University's Air Law Institute marked a formal effort to consolidate and advance the study of air law, aeronautical law, air property law, and radio law. The journal's survival through a period of waning interest in air law, which led to the Institute's decline and a publication hiatus during World War II, underscores its resilience. Its move to Southern Methodist University in 1961 established a stable institutional home that continues to this day. The journal's annual symposium, held in conjunction with SMU's Dedman School of Law, provides a recurring forum for scholarly exchange. The recognition of Fagg with the Federal Aviation Administration's Distinguished Service Award in 1976 further highlights the journal's foundational role in the development of aviation law as a field of study.
Did You Know?
- The journal was originally founded as the Journal of Air Law.
- Fred Dow Fagg received the Federal Aviation Administration's Distinguished Service Award in 1976 for creating the journal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Journal of Air Law and Commerce?
It is a peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to aviation law that has been in continuous publication since 1930. It began under the shorter name 'Journal of Air Law' before adopting its current title.
Who started the Journal of Air Law and Commerce?
Fred Dow Fagg is credited as the founder, with the journal first seeing print in 1930 under the auspices of Northwestern University's Air Law Institute. The institution had announced its intent to launch the publication back in 1929.
Who publishes and edits the Journal of Air Law and Commerce now?
Southern Methodist University, working alongside its Dedman School of Law, currently produces the journal. Jenny Hulse serves as Editor-in-Chief while Cameron King holds the Managing Editor role.
What topics does the Journal of Air Law and Commerce cover?
The journal addresses aviation law broadly, including aeronautical law, air property law, and radio law. Its scope makes it relevant to modern debates around drone regulation and airspace governance.
Why does the Journal of Air Law and Commerce matter in the drone regulation space?
As one of the longest-running peer-reviewed publications in aviation law, it provides a scholarly foundation for understanding how air-law principles apply to unmanned aircraft. Its decades of accumulated scholarship help frame regulatory conversations that newer drone-specific publications cannot yet match.
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