Francis Clerke (lawyer) facts for kids
Francis Clerke was an English lawyer who lived in the late 1500s. He spent many years working in different law courts. He also wrote important books about how law courts worked. These books helped other lawyers and judges understand legal procedures.
Contents
Who Was Francis Clerke?
Francis Clerke was an important legal expert in England during the 16th century. He was known for his long career in civil law. Civil law deals with private disputes between people or organizations. This is different from criminal law, which deals with crimes. Clerke's work helped shape how courts operated in his time.
His Early Life and Education
Francis Clerke briefly studied at the University of Oxford. After his time there, he moved to Doctors' Commons. This was a place in London where lawyers who practiced civil law worked and lived. He started his legal career around 1559.
A Career in Law
Clerke worked as a lawyer for about forty years. He practiced civil law in many different courts. He became a senior proctor for the University of Oxford. A proctor is a type of lawyer who represents clients in certain courts. Because of his long service, he received a special law degree. He earned his Bachelor of Civil Law (B.C.L.) degree in 1594 without needing to take an exam. This showed how much he was respected in the legal world.
What Books Did He Write?
Francis Clerke wrote two main books that were very important for lawyers.
- Praxis tam jus dicentibus quam aliis omnibus qui in foro ecclesiastico versantur
* He finished this book in 1596. * It was published after he passed away. * This book explained how church courts worked. * It was printed in Dublin in 1664 and again in 1666.
- Praxis curiæ Admiralitatis Angliæ
* This book was about the English Admiralty Court. * The Admiralty Court handled legal cases related to the sea. * This included things like shipping, trade, and naval matters. * It was first published in Dublin in 1666 and London in 1667. * Later editions were published, and it was even translated into English. * An American lawyer named J. E. Hall also added notes to it in 1809.
Clerke's books were used by lawyers and judges for many years. They helped to set the rules for how courts should operate. His writings are still studied today by people interested in legal history.
