Paul Dudley (jurist) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Paul Dudley
Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Superior Court of Judicature
In office 1745–1751
Appointed by	William Shirley
Preceded by	Benjamin Lynde Sr.
Succeeded by	Stephen Sewall
Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Superior Court of Judicature
In office 1718–1745
Appointed by	Samuel Shute
Preceded by	Samuel Sewall
Succeeded by	Nathaniel Hubbard
1st Attorney General of Massachusetts
In office 1702–1718
Governor	Joseph Dudley William Tailer Samuel Shute
Preceded by	Office established
Succeeded by	John Valentine
Personal details
Born	(1675-09-03)September 3, 1675 Roxbury, Massachusetts Bay Colony, British America
Died	January 25, 1751(1751-01-25) (aged 75) Roxbury, Massachusetts Bay Colony, British America
Education	Harvard University
Signature

Paul Dudley was an important person in early American history. He was born in 1675 and lived until 1751. Paul was a lawyer and a judge in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. His father, Joseph Dudley, was a governor, and his grandfather, Thomas Dudley, helped start the colony.

Paul Dudley's Early Life and Education

Paul Dudley was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts, in 1675. He went to the Roxbury Latin School. When he was just 15 years old, he graduated from Harvard in 1690. After college, he traveled to London, England. There, he studied law at a famous place called the Temple.

Paul Dudley's Career in Law and Government

Paul Dudley had a long and important career in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Attorney General of Massachusetts

From 1702 to 1718, Paul Dudley served as the Attorney General of Massachusetts. This job meant he was the main lawyer for the government. He helped make sure laws were followed in the colony.

Judge in Massachusetts

After being Attorney General, Paul Dudley became a judge.

• From 1718 to 1745, he was an associate judge on the highest court in the colony. This court was called the Massachusetts Superior Court of Judicature.
• Then, from 1745 until he passed away in 1751, he became the chief justice of this court. This was the top judge in the entire colony.

Other Contributions and Interests

Paul Dudley was interested in many things beyond law.

• He was a member of the Royal Society. This is a group in England for important scientists. He wrote several papers about the plants and animals of New England for their scientific magazine.
• He also started the Dudleian lectures at Harvard University. These lectures were about religion and are still given today.
• Paul Dudley was also involved in land investments. He and his brother, William, were the first owners of the land that became the town of Dudley, Massachusetts. The town was named after them.

Paul Dudley's Final Years

Paul Dudley passed away in Roxbury in 1751. He is buried in the Eliot Burying Ground. His father and grandfather are also buried there.

Images for kids

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  Paul Dudley's signature