James Fergusson, Lord Kilkerran facts for kids

Sir James Fergusson of Kilkerran (1688–1759) was an important Scottish judge. He was also known as Lord Kilkerran. He inherited the title of 2nd Baronet of Kilkerran.

Sir James Fergusson's Early Life and Career

Becoming a Lawyer and Politician

James Fergusson was born in 1688. He was the oldest son of Sir John Fergusson, who was the 1st Baronet of Kilkerran. When his father passed away in 1729, James became the 2nd Baronet.

He studied law, possibly in a place called Leyden. In 1711, he officially became an advocate. An advocate is a type of lawyer who speaks for people in court.

In 1734, Fergusson was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Sutherland. This meant he helped make laws for the country. He served in Parliament until 1735.

Becoming a Judge

On November 7, 1735, James Fergusson became a judge. He was made a Lord of Session. This was a very important job in Scotland's highest court. When he became a judge, he took the special title of Lord Kilkerran.

Later, on April 3, 1749, he was made a Lord of Justiciary. This meant he also served in the highest criminal court in Scotland. He passed away at his home near Edinburgh on January 20, 1759.

Sir James Fergusson's Important Writings

Collecting Court Decisions

Lord Kilkerran wrote a very important book. It was called Decisions of the Court of Session from the Year 1738 to the Year 1752. This book was like a dictionary of court rulings. It also included some decisions from 1736 and 1737.

His son, George, published the book in 1775. People really admired this book. It was praised for being very clear and easy to understand. It also became a great example for how law reports should be written.

What People Thought of Sir James Fergusson

A Highly Respected Legal Mind

Many people thought Sir James Fergusson was one of the smartest lawyers of his time. A writer named Tytler said that Fergusson knew a lot about Roman law. He also understood the old Scottish laws about land ownership.

Tytler explained that Fergusson's court decisions were very clear. They showed his deep understanding of the law. These decisions are still seen as a great example. They show how useful and well-written law reports can be.

Sir James Fergusson's Family

His Wife and Children

In September 1726, James Fergusson married Jean Maitland. She was the daughter of James Maitland, Viscount Maitland. Jean was born in 1703 and passed away in 1766.

Sir James and Jean had a large family together. Many of their children, along with his wife, were still alive when he passed away. Some of their notable children included:

• Adam Fergusson (1733–1813): He was their oldest son who survived. Adam inherited the baronetcy from his father. He also became a lawyer and a Member of Parliament. He was even the Rector of Glasgow University.
• Helen Fergusson (1741–1810): She became the second wife of Sir David Dalrymple, who was also a judge.
• George Fergusson (1743–1827): He followed in his father's footsteps. George also became a judge and was known as Lord Hermand.