John March (barrister) facts for kids

John March (born around 1611, died 1657) was an English lawyer and writer. He lived during a very important time in English history. This was when the country was going through the English Civil War. March was known for his legal writings. He also worked for the English government during this period.

Early Life of John March

We don't know everything about John March's early life. He might have studied at St. Edmund Hall, Oxford university. This was around 1632. He later joined two legal schools in London. These were Barnard's Inn in 1635 and Gray's Inn in 1636. He became a lawyer, or "barrister," in June 1641.

Working for Parliament

John March worked for the English Parliament. This was during the time of the English Civil War. In 1642, he wrote a book. It was called An Argument or Debate in Law of the great question concerning the Militia. In this book, March argued that Parliament had the legal right to raise its own army.

By 1644, March was working for an important group. This group was called the Committee of Both Kingdoms. It helped Parliament manage the war. Later, in 1649, the Council of State chose him. He was one of four people sent to Guernsey. Their job was to help run things there.

Three years later, in 1652, the Council of State chose him again. This time, he went to Scotland. He and three others helped manage the courts there. In 1656, March also worked for a group selling crown lands. He passed away early in 1657.

John March's Books

John March wrote several important legal books. These books helped explain the laws of his time.

An Argument or Debate in Law of the great question concerning the Militia (1642)

This was the book March wrote in 1642. It explained why Parliament could legally raise an army. This was a big question during the Civil War. The book was first published with only his initials, J. M.

Actions for Slander (1648)

This book was about lawsuits for slander. Slander means saying false and harmful things about someone. The book explained which words could lead to a lawsuit. It also included information about "arbitrements." These were decisions made by a neutral person to settle a dispute. A later edition of this book also talked about "libels." Libels are written harmful statements.

Reports, or New Cases (1648)

This book was a collection of court decisions. It included important judgments from cases between 1639 and 1642. It also explained the reasons behind these decisions.

Amicus Reipublicae, the Commonwealth's Friend (1651)

This book was dedicated to John Bradshaw. He was a famous judge. In this book, March discussed ways to make the legal system better. He wanted to make justice faster and fairer. He also wanted to prevent long and costly lawsuits. The book looked at 18 different legal questions.

Some New Cases (1651)

This book was March's English translation of an older legal work. It was originally written by Sir Robert Broke. The book contained legal cases from the times of King Henry VIII, King Edward VI, and Queen Mary. It helped make these older cases easier for people to understand.

John March's Family

In 1638, John March married Alice Matthews. He was 26 years old at the time. When March died in 1657, his wife Alice received support from the Council of State.