Thomas R. Van Dervort is professor emeritus of political science at Middle Tennessee State University where he has taught courses in law and Political Science for the past 40 years. He holds a doctorate degree from the University of Tennessee and has a background in legal studies and international law. He obtained his master's degree from the Fletcher School of International Law and Diplomacy as a Woodrow Wilson scholar.He is the author of two law-related introductory textbooks; one for American law and the second in international law. He has served as pre-law advisor, mock trial coach, and member of the Board of Directors of the American Mock Trial Association.