Robert Berkley Harper, a revered Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, was a trailblazer in both academia and the legal profession. Born in 1938 in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, Harper grew up in a large family under modest circumstances. Despite the financial and societal barriers he faced, including discouragement from his high school guidance counselor and limited support from his parents, Harper remained steadfast in his educational ambitions. He balanced nighttime work at the U.S. Post Office with his studies at the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in 1961. His resilience paid off when he pursued a J.D. from Pitt Law in 1971, defying the limited opportunities often available to Black students of his era.
After his law degree, Harper's career unfolded with notable achievements. He initially served as the Chief Legal Advisor to the Pittsburgh Police Department, becoming the first Black person to hold this position. In this role, he was instrumental in ensuring the protection of arrestees' rights and providing crucial perspectives to white law enforcement officers. His legal expertise and commitment were further recognized when he transitioned to academia, accepting a position at his alma mater, the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. There, he made history again as the first Black tenured professor at the institution.
Harper’s academic career was marked by a profound dedication to his students and his subjects. He taught various courses including Criminal Law, Evidence, and Law and Education, and was deeply involved in mentoring students and developing programs for legal education. His scholarly contributions, including influential texts such as "Handbook of Pennsylvania Evidence" and "Pennsylvania Arrests, Searches and Seizures," solidified his reputation as a leading expert in his field. Harper's commitment extended beyond teaching as he worked to recruit more Black students into the legal profession, leaving a lasting impact on the diversity and inclusiveness of the legal community.
Harper passed away on October 12, 2021, at the age of 82, leaving behind a rich legacy of academic excellence, community service, and personal warmth. He was celebrated posthumously by friends, family, and colleagues who remembered him not only for his professional achievements but also for his role as a supportive friend, family patriarch, and community member. His life was honored in a memorial service held at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, reflecting the profound influence he had on those around him. Harper’s legacy endures through the lives he touched and the significant contributions he made to legal education and the broader community.
To learn more about RBH and discover photographs, case briefs, newspaper articles, scholarship, and his 2022 memorial service, visit the the Robert Harper Digital Exhibit.