Thomas Cooper, 1st Baron Cooper of Culross facts for kids
Thomas Mackay Cooper (born September 24, 1892, died July 15, 1956) was an important Scottish figure. He was a politician, a judge, and even a historian. He held many high positions in the legal system, including being the top legal officer for Scotland, known as the Lord Advocate.
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Early Life and Education
Thomas Cooper was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. His father, John Cooper, was a civil engineer. Thomas went to George Watson's College in Edinburgh. After that, he studied at the University of Edinburgh. He earned a master's degree in 1912 and later a law degree.
Career in Law and Politics
Starting His Legal Journey
In 1915, Thomas Cooper became a lawyer, joining a group called the Faculty of Advocates. This meant he could argue cases in Scotland's highest courts. Later, in 1927, he was made a King's Counsel. This is a special title given to experienced lawyers, showing they are experts in their field.
Serving in Parliament
Thomas Cooper also entered politics. He was a member of the Unionist Party. In 1935, he was elected to the UK Parliament as the representative for Edinburgh West. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) until 1941.
High Legal Roles
While in Parliament, Thomas Cooper took on important legal roles. In 1935, he became the Solicitor General for Scotland. This is a senior legal advisor to the government. Later that same year, he was promoted to Lord Advocate. The Lord Advocate is the chief legal officer for Scotland, like the country's main lawyer. He also joined the Privy Council, a group of important advisors to the King.
In 1941, he became a senior judge, known as the Lord Justice Clerk. This meant he was one of the most important judges in Scotland. He was given the special judicial title of Lord Cooper. In 1947, he rose even higher to become the Lord Justice General and Lord President of the Court of Session. These are the highest judicial positions in Scotland, making him the head of the Scottish legal system.
Becoming a Baron
Lord Cooper retired from his judicial roles in 1954. To honor his long and important service, he was made a "peer." This meant he was given the title of Baron Cooper of Culross. This title was for life.
Later Life and Legacy
Thomas Cooper was married to Margaret Mackay. He was also a respected historian. In 1936, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a group of top scientists and thinkers in Scotland. He even served as the society's vice president for a few years.
Lord Cooper of Culross passed away in July 1956, when he was 62 years old. Because he had no children to inherit his title, the barony ended with him. He is buried with his parents in Grange Cemetery in south Edinburgh.
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