Hersch Lauterpacht facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Hersch Lauterpacht
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| Born | 16 August 1897 |
| Died | 8 May 1960 (aged 62) |
| Occupation | Judge of the International Court of Justice |
Sir Hersch Lauterpacht QC (born August 16, 1897 – died May 8, 1960) was a very important British lawyer. He worked with international laws, which are rules that countries agree to follow. He also fought for human rights, which are the basic rights and freedoms everyone should have. He even became a judge at the International Court of Justice, which is like the world's highest court.
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A Young Legal Mind
Hersch Lauterpacht was born on August 16, 1897. His family lived in a small town called Żółkiew. This town was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which is now Ukraine.
In 1911, his family moved to a bigger city called Lemberg (now Lviv). He started studying law at the University of Lviv in 1915. However, he couldn't finish his final exams. This was because the university was closed to Jewish students in his region.
After this, he moved to Vienna and then to London. In London, he became an international lawyer. He earned a special degree called a PhD in 1925.
Working for International Justice
By 1937, Hersch Lauterpacht had written many books about international law. These books helped shape how countries deal with each other.
He played a part in the Nuremberg trials. These trials were held after World War II. They judged people who had committed terrible crimes during the war. Lauterpacht helped write a speech for the British prosecutor.
From 1952 to 1954, he was a member of the International Law Commission. This group helps the United Nations create and improve international laws.
A Judge on the World Stage
In 1955, Lauterpacht became a judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This court helps countries solve their disagreements peacefully. He served as a judge until 1960.
Many people admired his work. A former president of the ICJ, Stephen M. Schwebel, said that Lauterpacht was one of the best international lawyers of his time. Even today, his writings and opinions are often used in court cases.
Fighting for Human Rights
Hersch Lauterpacht was one of the few lawyers who actively worked for human rights in the late 1940s. He believed that everyone should have basic rights.
He even had some concerns about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This important document lists the rights that all people should have. Lauterpacht felt it could have been stronger in some ways.
After the terrible events of the Holocaust, Lauterpacht thought deeply about how international law could deal with such huge events. He considered how law could react to things that had never happened before.
Helping Israel Become a Nation
In 1948, some diplomats from the Jewish community asked Lauterpacht for help. They wanted him to think about the legal reasons for Israel to become an independent country. They also asked him to help write a declaration of independence for Israel.
By May 1948, Lauterpacht had created a two-part document. This document was like a draft for a declaration of independence. Some of his ideas were used in the final version of Israel’s Declaration of Independence.
His Legacy
The Lauterpacht Centre for International Law at the University of Cambridge is named after him. His son, Sir Elihu Lauterpacht, founded this center. It continues to study and teach international law.
Personal life
He was married to Rachel Lauterpacht.
Major Works
Hersch Lauterpacht wrote many important books and articles on international law. Some of his well-known works include:
- Private Law Sources and Analogies of International Law, London, 1927
- The Function of Law in the International Community, Oxford, 1933
- An International Bill of the Rights of Man, Oxford, 1945
- Recognition in International Law, Cambridge, 1947
- The Development of International Law by the International Court, London, 1958
- Oppenheim's International Law, Vol. 1, 8th ed., 1958
See also
- Whewell Professorship of International Law
