John Smith (judge) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Smith
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| Born | 6 January 1657 |
| Died | 24 June 1726 |
John Smith (1657–1726) was an important English lawyer and judge. He served in high legal positions in both England and Scotland during his career. He is remembered for his work in the legal system and for helping his hometown.
Contents
Life of John Smith
Early Life and Education
John Smith was born on January 6, 1657, in a village called Frolesworth in Leicestershire, England. When he was 19, he went to Lincoln College, Oxford, a famous university. After that, he studied law at Gray's Inn, which is one of the places where lawyers are trained in London. He became a lawyer, also known as a barrister, in 1684.
Becoming a Judge
John Smith became a senior lawyer called a serjeant-at-law in 1700. Later that year, he was appointed a judge in Ireland, working for the Court of Common Pleas. This court handled many legal cases.
In 1702, he moved back to England and became a judge in the English legal system. He was known as a Baron of the Court of Exchequer. This court dealt with money matters for the government.
A Famous Case: Ashby v. White
One of the most famous cases John Smith worked on was called Ashby v. White in 1703. This case was about voting rights. A man named Ashby was not allowed to vote in an election, even though he had the right to. John Smith believed that Ashby's right to vote had been unfairly taken away.
His opinion was different from most of the other judges at first. However, when the case went to a higher court, the House of Lords, they agreed with John Smith and another judge, Lord-chief-justice Sir John Holt. This decision was very important because it helped protect people's right to vote.
Working in Scotland
In 1707, England and Scotland joined together to form Great Britain. After this, a new court system was set up in Scotland. In 1708, John Smith was chosen to help create and lead the new Court of Exchequer in Scotland. He became the Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer in Scotland.
Even though he worked in Scotland, he also kept his job as a judge in England. He received an extra salary for his work in Scotland. He continued to hold both important jobs until he passed away on June 24, 1726, at the age of 69.
John Smith's Legacy
John Smith was a kind person who wanted to help his hometown of Frolesworth. In his will, he left money to create a special place called a hospital. This hospital was for fourteen poor widows who were part of the Church of England. Each widow received money every year and had her own house to live in. This shows that John Smith cared about helping people in need.
See also
In Spanish: John Smith para niños
