George Baker (judge) facts for kids
Sir George Gillespie Baker (born April 25, 1910 – died June 13, 1984) was a very important judge in the United Kingdom. He led the Family Division of the High Court of Justice from 1971 to 1979. Before that, he was a judge in the same division starting in 1961.
He also played a key role after World War II. From 1945 to 1946, he helped the British team at the Nuremberg Trials. These trials dealt with serious war crimes.
Life Story
George Gillespie Baker went to school at Glasgow Academy and Strathallan School. He then studied at Brasenose College, Oxford, a famous university. He later became an honorary member there.
In 1932, he became a lawyer. He was part of the Middle Temple, one of the old societies for lawyers. Later, in 1976, he became a leader of this society.
When World War II began, Baker joined the army. After a short time with the Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment, he became an officer in the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) in 1940.
War Service and Early Career
During the war, Baker held important roles in the army. He worked at the War Office from 1941 to 1942. He also served with the Allied Force Headquarters from 1942 to 1944. In 1945, he was a Colonel in the 15th Army Group.
His most notable war role was helping with the Nuremberg Trials. These trials brought justice for terrible crimes committed during the war.
In 1945, after the war, he tried to become a Member of Parliament. He ran for the Southall (UK Parliament constituency) seat as a Conservative candidate. However, he was not elected.
Becoming a Judge
After the war, Baker went back to being a lawyer. He worked mostly in the Oxford court area. He served as a type of judge called a "Recorder" in different towns. These included Bridgnorth (1946-1951), Smethwick (1951-1952), and Wolverhampton (1952-1961).
In 1952, he became a Queen's Counsel, which means he was recognized as a top lawyer. He also helped lead local court meetings in Shropshire from 1954 to 1971. For seven years, he was a main lawyer in the Oxford court area.
In 1961, he became a High Court Judge. His strong beliefs and honest character guided his actions throughout his career.
Awards and Recognition
Sir George Gillespie Baker received many honors for his service:
- He was made an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1945.
- He was appointed a Knight Bachelor in 1961. This meant he could use the title "Sir."
- He became a member of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom in 1971. This is a group of important advisors to the King or Queen.
- He was made an Honorary Member of the Canadian Bar Association.
- He received the Freedom of the City of London in 1981.
