Thomas Smith (barrister) facts for kids

Sir Thomas Broun Smith QC FBA FRSE (born December 3, 1915 – died October 15, 1988) was a very important person in British law. He was a lawyer, a soldier, and a university professor. He helped shape how law is understood and practiced, especially in Scotland.

Life Story

Thomas Broun Smith was born in Glasgow. His father was John Smith. Thomas went to school at Glasgow High School and Sedbergh School in Yorkshire.

He then studied law at Christ Church, Oxford, which is a famous university. He earned his Master of Arts (MA) degree in 1937. In 1938, he became a barrister in England, which means he could represent people in court.

During World War II, he served in the army from 1939 to 1946. He was part of the Gordon Highlanders and the Royal Artillery. He was injured while fighting in Italy and was recognized for his bravery. He became a lieutenant-colonel, which is a high rank in the army. After the war, he worked for the Foreign Office for a short time, helping with international relations.

In 1947, he became a lawyer in Scotland, joining the Faculty of Advocates. He continued his studies, earning advanced law degrees from the University of Oxford in 1956 and the University of Edinburgh in 1980. He also received an honorary law degree from the University of Cape Town.

In 1977, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a special honor for people who have made important contributions to science and knowledge. In 1981, Queen Elizabeth II made him a knight, so he became known as Sir Thomas.

He passed away in Edinburgh on October 15, 1988.

His Family

In 1940, Thomas Smith married Ann Dorothea Tindall. They had three children together.

His brother was Sir Robert Courtney Smith.

Teaching and Law Career

In 1949, Sir Thomas became a professor at the University of Aberdeen, teaching Scots Law. He was also the head of the law department there for several years. In 1956, he became a Queen's Counsel, often called a QC. This is a special title for experienced lawyers.

From 1958 to 1968, he was a professor at the University of Edinburgh, teaching Civil Law. He later taught Scots Law there again from 1968 to 1972.

He also worked for the Scottish Law Commission from 1965 to 1980. This group helps to improve and update the laws in Scotland. In 1980, he became the main editor for a huge set of law books called the Laws of Scotland: Stair Memorial Encyclopedia.

Sir Thomas was also a visiting professor at other famous universities, including Tulane University in Louisiana (USA) in 1958 and Harvard Law School in 1962-1963. He also taught in Calcutta, India, in 1977. He represented the United Kingdom on committees that worked on making laws similar across different countries in Europe. Many people say he was one of the most important and interesting people in shaping modern Scots law.

Books He Wrote

Sir Thomas Smith wrote many books and articles about law. Some of his well-known works include:

• Doctrines of Judicial Precedent in Scots Law (1952)
• Scotland: The Development of its Laws and Constitution (1955)
• British Justice: The Scottish Contribution (1961)
• Studies Critical and Comparative (1962)
• A Short Commentary on the Law of Scotland (1962)
• Property Problems in Sale (1978)
• Basic Rights and their Enforcement (1979)

Artistic Recognition

A painting of Sir Thomas Smith, created by Tim Cockburn, is kept at the University of Edinburgh.