Hartley William Shawcross

Date of Birth: February 4, 1902

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: July 10, 2003

Biography

Hartley William Shawcross, Baron Shawcross, was a distinguished British barrister and politician who played a pivotal role in the legal and political landscape of the 20th century. Born on February 4, 1902, in Giessen, Germany, Shawcross’s early education was at Dulwich College and later, at the London School of Economics. He was called to the Bar by Gray’s Inn in 1925 and quickly made a name for himself as a formidable advocate. Shawcross gained international recognition during his tenure as the lead British prosecutor at the Nuremberg War Crimes Tribunal following World War II, where he delivered powerful indictments against key Nazi officials. His eloquence and legal expertise were instrumental in securing convictions for many of the accused war criminals. In the political arena, Shawcross served as Attorney General for England and Wales from 1945 to 1951 under Prime Minister Clement Attlee’s Labour government. He was known for his principled stands on various issues, including his opposition to the death penalty. Later in life, Shawcross was elevated to the peerage as Baron Shawcross of Friston in the County of Sussex. He continued to contribute to public life through his involvement in various legal and charitable organizations until his passing on July 10, 2003.

5 Interesting Facts about Hartley William Shawcross

1. Shawcross was the youngest person ever to be appointed as Attorney General for England and Wales.

2. He was knighted in 1945, the same year he was appointed Attorney General.

3. Shawcross was a founding member of Amnesty International, reflecting his lifelong commitment to human rights.

4. He declined several offers to become a judge, preferring to remain in active legal practice and politics.

5. Shawcross was an avid art collector and patron, with a particular interest in French Impressionist paintings.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hartley William Shawcross

1. “There comes a point when a man must refuse to answer to his leader if he is also to answer to his own conscience.”

2. “The right to be heard does not automatically include the right to be taken seriously.”

3. “We must ensure that there is no compromise on the basic principles of justice.”

4. “A lawyer’s duty to his client is not to win at all costs but to ensure that justice is done.”

5. “In the end, it is not the speeches that matter, but the actions that follow them.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Hartley William Shawcross is not publicly documented, but his successful legal practice, political career, and art collection suggest he was quite affluent.

Children

Hartley Shawcross had three children: one daughter, Drusilla Shawcross, and two sons, Hartley Thomas Shawcross and William Boyd Shawcross. His son, William Shawcross, is a noted writer and journalist.