John Pratt (judge) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir John Pratt
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Sir John Pratt by Michael Dahl
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| Lord Chief Justice of England | |
| In office 15 May 1718 – 2 March 1725 |
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| Chancellor of the Exchequer | |
| In office 2 February 1721 – 3 April 1721 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 1657 England |
| Died | 1725 (aged 67–68) England |
| Occupation | Judge, politician |
Sir John Pratt (1657–1725) was an important English judge and politician. He served as the top judge in England, called the Lord Chief Justice, from 1718 to 1725. For a short time in 1721, he also held a major financial role as the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John Pratt was born in England in 1657. His father was Richard Pratt from a place called Standlake in Oxfordshire.
John went to Magdalen Hall, Oxford, in 1672. Later, he moved to Wadham College where he became a scholar in 1674. He earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1676 and a master's degree (M.A.) in 1679.
Becoming a Lawyer and Judge
In 1675, Pratt began studying law at the Inner Temple. He officially became a lawyer, known as being "called to the bar," in 1682.
He worked on important cases for the Crown (the government). For example, he appeared before the House of Lords in 1696. He also represented the East India Company in 1698.
In 1700, he became a serjeant-at-law, which was a special type of senior lawyer. He also advised the court of exchequer in 1706.
Political Career
In 1711, John Pratt was elected to parliament for Midhurst. He served as a Member of Parliament until King George I came to the throne.
Later that year, he became a judge in the Court of King's Bench. He was sworn in and given the title of Knight in November 1714.
Rising to Lord Chief Justice
In 1718, there was a big legal question about who should look after the royal grandchildren. The judges had to decide if it was the King or the Prince of Wales. Pratt agreed with most judges that it was the King's right.
He then served as one of the commissioners for the Great Seal for a short time. This was a very important symbol of royal authority.
On May 15, 1718, Sir John Pratt became the Lord Chief Justice of the Court of King's Bench. This made him the highest judge in England. He also joined the Privy Council in October.
Later Life and Legacy
Sir John Pratt bought a manor called Stidulfe's Place around 1705 and renamed it Wilderness. In 1714, he also bought Bayham Priory.
He passed away at his home in London on February 24, 1725.
Family Life
Sir John Pratt was married twice and had many children.
With his first wife, Elizabeth Gregory, he had four daughters and five sons. His fourth son, John, inherited his property.
With his second wife, Elizabeth Wilson, he had four sons and four daughters. One of his sons from this marriage, Charles Pratt, 1st Earl Camden, also became a very famous judge.
His daughters also married into important families. Grace, from his first marriage, married Sir John Fortescue Aland. Jane and Anna Maria, from his second marriage, married Nicholas Hardinge and Thomas Barrett Lennard, 16th Baron Dacre, respectively.
See also
- Lord Chief Justice
- Lord Camden
