James Reynolds (junior) facts for kids
Sir James Reynolds (born 1686, died 1739) was an important English lawyer and politician. He was a member of Parliament and later became a judge. He even held a very important position called the Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer. It's good to know that there was another famous judge named Sir James Reynolds around the same time, but they were different people, though related.
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Early Life and Education
James Reynolds was born in Essex, England. His father was also named James Reynolds. He went to Bury Grammar School, which was a good school for its time. After school, he studied at Queens' College, Cambridge University in 1702. He then went on to study law at Middle Temple and Lincoln's Inn. In 1712, he officially became a lawyer, which is called being "called to the Bar."
A Career in Law and Politics
Sir James Reynolds quickly became successful in his career. In 1712, he became the Recorder of Bury St Edmunds. This meant he was a chief legal officer for the town. By 1715, he was made a Serjeant-at-law, which was a very high rank for a lawyer.
In 1717, he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Bury St Edmunds. This meant he helped make laws for the country in the House of Commons. He was re-elected in 1722.
Becoming a Judge
Sir James Reynolds left his role as an MP in 1725. This was because he was appointed as a judge in the Court of King's Bench. This court handled important legal cases.
A Famous Court Case
One of his most famous cases as a lawyer was in 1718. It was about King George I and his grandchildren. The question was whether the King had the only say in how his grandchildren were raised and educated. Sir James Reynolds argued that the King's son, who would become King George II, should have a say in his children's education. Even though he didn't win this case, King George I still respected him. This is why the King appointed him as a judge in 1725.
Lord Chief Baron
Later, in 1730, King George II made him the Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer. This was a very important job, leading one of the main courts in England. He held this position until 1738.
Later Life and Legacy
Sir James Reynolds retired in 1738, likely due to health reasons. He passed away in February 1739. He was buried in St. Edmundsbury Cathedral, and a special memorial was placed there to remember him. He was married twice, first to Mary Smith and then to Alice Rainbird. He did not have any children.
People who knew him, like a legal historian named Foss, praised him as a judge. They said he always tried to do his duty fairly and without bias.
