Hadley Arkes is an American legal scholar and professor known for his work in constitutional law and political philosophy. He is a prominent figure in the natural law tradition and has written extensively on the moral foundations of law. Arkes has taught at Amherst College and has been involved in various legal and political discussions, particularly regarding the role of morality in legislation. In addition to his academic work, Arkes is the founder of the James Wilson Institute, which focuses on promoting the principles of the American founding. He has authored several books, including "First Things: An Inquiry into the First Principles of Morals and Justice," where he explores the relationship between law and ethics.