ENG
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Professor Karel Malý, distinguished scholar of legal history and former Rector of Charles University, who died shortly before reaching the age of 96. He joined the Faculty of Law in 1954 and became one of the leading figures in Czech legal scholarship. He served in the leadership of Charles University from 1990, first as Vice-Rector, and subsequently as Rector between 1994 and 2000. May he rest in peace.
PHOTO: Vladimír Šigut
Professor Karel Malý, an eminent scholar of legal history and former Rector of Charles University, has passed away shortly before his 96th birthday. He joined the Faculty of Law of Charles University in 1954 at the Department of the History of the State and Law, where he soon became a leading figure in Czech legal scholarship. His long-term academic work focused primarily on the study of Czech legal history, especially the development of criminal law during the estates-era state. He was the author or co-author of numerous scholarly studies, monographs, and textbooks.
Professor Malý played a key role at Charles University, where he served in senior leadership from 1990—first as Vice-Rector, and then as Rector from 1994 to 2000. During this transformative period, he significantly contributed to the stabilisation and modernisation of the university in a society undergoing profound change. He advocated for the strengthening of academic self-governance, an emphasis on the quality of research and teaching, and the development of international partnerships. His name is inseparable from the establishment of the Czech Rectors Conference, the restitution of university property, and the creation of the Higher Education Act, which remains in force to this day.
Professor Malý was a long-standing member of the Scientific Board of the Faculty of Law of Charles University as well as the Scientific Board of Charles University, later becoming an honorary member of both. He received the First-Class Medal of the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, the Jubilee Medal of Charles University, and the Gold Randall Medals. In 1997, he was awarded the Gold Medal for Merit to the Republic of Austria, and in the same year he received an honorary doctorate in law from Trinity College Dublin; in 1998, he received another honorary doctorate from Comenius University in Bratislava. In 1999, he was awarded a papal honour for his services to faith and the Church.
Requiescat in pace.
JUDr. Michal Říha, Ph.D.
Vice-Dean for External Relations and Alumni, Faculty of Law, Charles University