Robert Roddis
| Robert "Bob" Warren Roddis | |
 | |
| Personal Details | |
| Birth: | March 30, 1951 |
| Death: | July 13, 2023 |
| Education: | Michigan State University (undergrad); Detroit College of Law (J.D.); Wayne State University Law School (LL.M) |
| Occupation: | Attorney |
| Party: | Libertarian |
| Media | |
| Website: | https://bobroddis.blogspot.com/?zx=8f88f06881072c65 |
| view publications | |
Robert "Bob" Warren Roddis (March 30, 1951 - July 13, 2023) was a prominent figure in the Libertarian Party of Michigan, known for his dedication to libertarian principles, his contributions to the party, and his advocacy for "covenant communities."
Early Life and Education
Roddis graduated from Ferndale High School in 1969 before pursuing higher education at Michigan State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1974. His passion for law led him to attend Detroit College of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctorate in 1980. Later, in 1984, he achieved his Master of Laws (LL.M) at Wayne State University Law School.
Career and Political Endeavors
Throughout his career, Roddis specialized in various legal fields, including commercial litigation, tax law, corporate law, probate, domestic law, and bankruptcy law. He established himself as a knowledgeable and skilled attorney, making a mark in multiple states with admissions to the bar in Michigan (1980), Florida (1985), Texas (2010), and Utah (2018).
Roddis actively participated in the Libertarian Party and promoted libertarian principles throughout his life. He ran for Michigan Attorney General on the Libertarian Party ticket in 1982 and later made several attempts to become a judge on the Michigan Supreme Court in the years 2008, 2010, and 2012.
Advocacy for Covenant Communities and Austrian Economics
One of the defining aspects of Roddis' beliefs was his advocacy for "covenant communities." He envisioned these as voluntary and self-governing communities that would adhere to a fixed set of principles, prohibiting membership to anyone who violated those rules. To Roddis, this was a way to create societies where individuals could live together with like-minded people, thereby avoiding constant conflicts over differing ideologies and principles.
Roddis was a strong supporter of Austrian Economics, particularly influenced by the works of Nobel Prize-winning economist Friedrich Hayek. He first encountered the Austrian School during his time at Michigan State University in the early 1970s and became an anarcho-capitalist, fervently arguing for its principles on his blogger.com page and engaging in discussions with various individuals on economic intervention and war.
Contributions to the Libertarian Party of Michigan
During his later years, Roddis played a crucial role in the Libertarian Party of Michigan, especially during the rise of the Mises Caucus. Despite facing health challenges due to cancer and other related issues, he actively engaged in legal research to support the party's efforts. Roddis served as a member of the Judicial Committee, where he played an instrumental role in resolving leadership disputes and upholding party bylaws and parliamentary authority.
Legacy and Passing
Roddis left behind a significant legacy in the Libertarian community, and his passing on July 13, 2023, marked the end of an era. He is survived by his three daughters, grandchildren, and ex-wife. Roddis' intellectual rigor, unyielding dedication to liberty, and commitment to promoting his beliefs through legal expertise have left a lasting impact on those who knew him. His contributions to the Libertarian Party of Michigan and his advocacy for voluntary, self-governing communities will be remembered by those who shared his passion for liberty and freedom.