James Anthony Lawson facts for kids

James Anthony Lawson (born 1817, died 1887) was a very smart Irish person. He worked as a teacher, a lawyer, and a judge. He was also a member of the Privy Council of Ireland, which was a group of important advisors to the government.

Early Life and Schooling

James Anthony Lawson was born in a city called Waterford in Ireland. He was the oldest son of James Lawson and Mary Anthony. He went to a special school there.

University Achievements

Later, he went to Trinity College Dublin, which is a famous university. He was chosen as a "scholar" in 1836, which means he was a top student. He earned high honors in subjects like ethics and logic. He got his first degree in 1838. He also studied law and became a professor of political economy from 1840 to 1845.

Law and Justice Career

James Lawson became a lawyer in Ireland in 1840. He quickly became very good at his job. In 1857, he was named a Queen's Counsel, which is a special title for experienced lawyers. He also became an important advisor to the leader of Ireland from 1858 to 1859.

Becoming a Top Lawyer

In 1861, he was made Solicitor-General for Ireland. This is a senior legal position. Then, in 1865, he became the Attorney-General for Ireland. This meant he was the chief legal advisor to the government. At this time, he also joined the Privy Council of Ireland.

Dealing with Challenges

As Attorney-General, he had to deal with a group called the Fenians in 1865. This group was causing trouble. He helped to stop their newspaper and had their leaders arrested.

Political Life and Judgeship

In 1865, he was elected to the UK Parliament for the area of Portarlington. He was part of the Liberal Party. However, he lost his seat in the next election in 1868.

In December 1868, he became a judge in the Court of Common Pleas in Ireland. He worked there until 1882. Then, he moved to the Queen's Bench division, which is another important court.

Important Trials and Safety

During a time when farmers were protesting about land, called the Land League agitation, he was the judge for many important trials. In 1882, someone tried to hurt him while he was walking in Dublin. He was attacked but survived.

Lawson also served on other important committees. He became a "privy councillor" in England in 1870. This meant he was an advisor to the Queen. He also received a special degree from Oxford University in 1884.

Family Life

James Lawson passed away in Shankill, near Dublin, on August 10, 1887. In 1842, he married Jane Merrick. They had a son named James. In the 1860s, he built a beautiful house by the sea in Shankill called Clontra. It was designed by famous architects.