# Mike Godwin

> American attorney and author

**Wikidata**: [Q2071976](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2071976)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Godwin)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mike-godwin

## Summary
Mike Godwin is an American attorney and author, best known for coining "Godwin's Law," an internet meme that states the longer an online discussion continues, the greater the likelihood of someone comparing an opposing argument to Adolf Hitler. His work spans legal practice, libertarian advocacy, and contributions to digital culture.

## Biography
- Born: October 26, 1956
- Nationality: United States
- Education:
  - University of Texas School of Law (J.D.)
  - University of Texas at Austin (B.A.)
- Known for: Creating "Godwin's Law," a foundational internet meme
- Employer(s):
  - University of Texas School of Law
  - Yale Law School
  - Wikimedia Foundation
  - Reason magazine
  - Electronic Frontier Foundation
- Field(s): Law, digital culture, libertarianism

## Contributions
- **Godwin's Law**: Coined the internet meme in 1990, which became one of the oldest and most widely recognized online phenomena, influencing discussions on free speech and online argumentation.
- **Legal Advocacy**: Practiced law at the University of Texas School of Law and Yale Law School, contributing to legal education and advocacy.
- **Libertarian Engagement**: Worked with organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation and *Reason* magazine, promoting libertarian principles in digital and legal contexts.
- **Wikimedia Contributions**: Served as an early advocate for open knowledge, supporting the Wikimedia Foundation and its mission.

## FAQs
**What is Godwin's Law, and who created it?**
Godwin's Law is an internet meme coined by Mike Godwin in 1990, stating that the longer an online discussion continues, the higher the probability that someone will compare an opposing argument to Adolf Hitler. It became a foundational concept in online discourse and free speech debates.

**Where did Mike Godwin work?**
Mike Godwin has worked at the University of Texas School of Law, Yale Law School, the Wikimedia Foundation, *Reason* magazine, and the Electronic Frontier Foundation, contributing to legal education, libertarian advocacy, and digital culture.

**What is Mike Godwin's educational background?**
Mike Godwin holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin and a Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law.

**What organizations has Mike Godwin been affiliated with?**
Mike Godwin has been affiliated with the University of Texas School of Law, Yale Law School, the Wikimedia Foundation, *Reason* magazine, and the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

## Why They Matter
Mike Godwin's creation of "Godwin's Law" revolutionized online discourse by providing a humorous yet insightful framework for evaluating the escalation of arguments in digital spaces. His work has influenced debates on free speech, internet culture, and the ethics of online debate. Additionally, his legal and libertarian advocacy has shaped discussions on digital rights and open knowledge, making him a key figure in both legal and digital history.

## Notable For
- **Coining "Godwin's Law"**: Established one of the oldest and most enduring internet memes, shaping online argumentation.
- **Legal and Libertarian Advocate**: Bridged legal education and libertarian principles through roles at prestigious institutions and advocacy groups.
- **Digital Culture Contributor**: Advocated for open knowledge and free speech through affiliations with the Wikimedia Foundation and the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
- **Cross-Disciplinary Influence**: Combined law, libertarianism, and digital culture to create lasting impacts in multiple fields.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Mike Godwin was born on October 26, 1956, in the United States. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin and a Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law, establishing a foundation in legal education and advocacy.

### Legal Career and Advocacy
Godwin practiced law at the University of Texas School of Law and later at Yale Law School, contributing to legal education and advocacy. His work in these institutions shaped legal discourse and influenced future generations of legal professionals.

### Digital Culture and Libertarianism
Godwin's work extended into digital culture and libertarianism, where he co-founded *Reason* magazine and served as an advocate for the Electronic Frontier Foundation. His contributions to these organizations promoted libertarian principles and digital rights, making him a key figure in both fields.

### Wikimedia Foundation and Open Knowledge
Godwin's advocacy for open knowledge led him to support the Wikimedia Foundation, an organization dedicated to free knowledge. His involvement helped advance the mission of making information accessible to all, further cementing his role in digital culture.

### Legacy and Influence
Mike Godwin's legacy is defined by his creation of "Godwin's Law," which remains a foundational concept in online discourse. His work in law, libertarianism, and digital culture has influenced multiple fields, making him a notable figure in both legal and digital history. His contributions continue to shape discussions on free speech, online argumentation, and open knowledge.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. International Standard Name Identifier
3. CiNii Research
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Open Library
6. Library of Congress Control Number
7. Goodreads
8. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/mike-godwin-107a97akaL/appearances)