James Reid, Baron Reid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Reid
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Reid in 1941, by Walter Stoneman
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| Lord of Appeal in Ordinary | |
| In office 1948–1975 |
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| Lord Advocate | |
| In office 1941–1945 |
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| Monarch | George VI |
| Preceded by | Thomas Cooper |
| Succeeded by | George Thomson |
| Solicitor General for Scotland | |
| In office 1936–1941 |
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| Preceded by | Albert Russell |
| Succeeded by | Sir David King Murray |
| Member of Parliament for Glasgow Hillhead |
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| In office 10 June 1937 – 6 October 1948 |
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| Preceded by | Sir Robert Horne |
| Succeeded by | Sir Thomas Galbraith |
| Member of Parliament for Stirling and Falkirk |
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| In office 27 October 1931 – 25 October 1935 |
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| Preceded by | Hugh Murnin |
| Succeeded by | Joseph Westwood |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 30 July 1890 Drem, Scotland |
| Died | 29 March 1975 (aged 84) London, England |
| Spouse | Esther Brierly (m. 1933) |
| Alma mater | Jesus College, Cambridge |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | British Army |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | Royal Scots |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
James Scott Cumberland Reid, also known as Baron Reid, was a very important Scottish politician and judge. He lived from July 30, 1890, to March 29, 1975. Many people think he was one of the best judges in the 20th century.
Contents
Early Life and Education
James Reid was born in Drem, a small place in East Lothian, Scotland. His father, also named James Reid, was a lawyer.
He went to school at Edinburgh Academy. After that, he studied law at Jesus College, Cambridge University. He earned his first degree in 1910 and another law degree in 1911. In 1914, he became an advocate, which is a type of lawyer who can speak in higher courts.
Serving in the War
During World War I, James Reid joined the army. He was part of the 8th battalion of the Royal Scots regiment. In 1916, he moved to the Machine Gun Corps. He served in a place called Mesopotamia and reached the rank of Major. He left the army in 1921.
A Career in Law and Politics
In 1932, James Reid became a King's Counsel. This is a special title given to experienced lawyers. It means they are recognized as top legal experts.
He also became a Member of Parliament (MP). An MP is someone elected to represent people in the UK government. He was an MP for two different areas:
- Stirling and Falkirk from 1931 to 1935.
- Glasgow Hillhead from 1937 to 1948.
James Reid held important legal roles in the Scottish government:
- He was the Solicitor General for Scotland from 1936 to 1941. This person is one of the main legal advisors to the Scottish government.
- He then became the Lord Advocate from 1941 to 1945. This is the chief legal officer for Scotland.
In 1941, he was made a Privy Counsellor. This is an honor given to important people who advise the King or Queen.
Becoming a Top Judge
From 1945 to 1948, James Reid was the Dean of the Faculty of Advocates. This means he was the head of the group of advocates in Scotland.
In 1948, he was appointed as a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary. These judges are also known as Law Lords. They are the highest judges in the UK. When he became a Law Lord, he was given a special title: Baron Reid, of Drem. He served as a Law Lord until 1975. It was very rare for someone to become a Law Lord without first being a judge in other courts.
In 1967, he received another special honor called a Companion of Honour. This award is given to people who have made a major contribution to the arts, sciences, medicine, or government.
James Reid passed away in London on March 29, 1975.
Family Life
In 1933, James Reid married Mrs. Esther Mary Brierley. She was a widow whose maiden name was Nelson. They did not have any children.
