Best Law Professor: Ed Hunvald

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This isn’t the first time Ed Hunvald’s students have voted for him in great numbers.

“Back when Lyndon Johnson was running for president, my students found out that there was an open seat for Boone County surveyor,” Hunvald recalled. “They got the idea that I would be perfect for the job. I ended up winning on write-in votes. Having very little qualifications for the job, I never took office.” Perhaps, but he certainly has the qualifications for his elected office as Best Law Professor in Missouri. He taught for 50 years at the University of Missouri-Columbia until 2007, when he retired.

“I’ve had a lot of time to meet attorneys,” Hunvald said from his on-campus office. “I’m sure a lot of MU grads know me because I have taught required classes.”

Hunvald, 80, was hired at Mizzou to teach criminal law in 1957. He later taught criminal procedure and evidence.

Hunvald’s teaching style makes students think.

“I’ve been accused of being a Socratic teacher,” he said. “I like to give a lot of questions and not a lot of answers. Some of my students have said I won’t give them any.”

Although Hunvald has recently retired, he’s still involved in various committees at MU. He also sits in on the Missouri Supreme Court Criminal Procedure Committee, which drafts jury instructions.

While he is enjoying his retirement, Hunvald hasn’t quite given up the idea of teaching.

“If [MU] needs me, I’m available,” he said.