Douglas Johnston, Lord Johnston facts for kids
Douglas Harold Johnston, known as Lord Johnston, was an important Scottish lawyer, politician, and judge. He was born on February 1, 1907, and passed away on February 18, 1985. He served as a government minister and later became a top judge in Scotland.
Early Life and Education
Douglas Johnston's father, Joseph, was also a lawyer. Douglas grew up in Aberdeen and went to Aberdeen Grammar School. After that, he studied law at two famous universities: St John's College at the University of Oxford in England, and the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.
He became a qualified lawyer in England in 1931. The next year, in 1932, he also became a lawyer in Scotland.
Family and Early Career
On April 4, 1936, Douglas Johnston married Doris Isobel Kidd. Her father, James Kidd, was a politician. Douglas and Doris had two sons and two daughters.
During the Second World War, Douglas Johnston served in the army. When he returned, he became a prosecutor for the government in 1945. This role is called an Advocate Depute. In October 1947, he was given the special title of King's Counsel, which means he was a very experienced and respected lawyer.
Becoming a Politician
Douglas Johnston joined the Labour Party. On October 29, 1947, he was chosen to be the Solicitor General for Scotland. This is a senior legal role in the Scottish government.
At that time, he was not a Member of Parliament (MP). But when the MP for Paisley left his seat, Douglas Johnston was chosen to run for the Labour Party. In the special election held in 1948, he won the seat.
He continued to serve in the government until 1951, when the Labour Party was no longer in power. After that, he worked as a leading member of the opposition party. He focused on important details of new laws. He also continued his work as a lawyer in Scotland, often appearing in public hearings.
A Judge's Role
In January 1961, Douglas Johnston was appointed as a judge in Scotland. This meant he had to leave his role as a Member of Parliament. He then took the special legal title of Lord Johnston.
In 1965, he was also appointed as the Chairman of the Royal Fine Art Commission for Scotland. This group helps to protect and promote art and architecture in Scotland. Lord Johnston retired from his judicial role in 1978.
