William Blackstone

Date of Birth: July 10, 1723

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: February 14, 1780

Biography

Sir William Blackstone was an English judge, jurist, and professor who is best known for his seminal work, “Commentaries on the Laws of England,” which had a profound influence on the development of the common law system. Blackstone was born on July 10, 1723, in Cheapside, London. He was educated at Charterhouse School and later at Pembroke College, Oxford. After being called to the Bar in 1746, Blackstone initially struggled in practice but found his true calling in academia. In 1758, he was appointed the first Vinerian Professor of English Law at Oxford, where he began delivering a series of lectures that eventually formed the basis of his “Commentaries.” Blackstone’s “Commentaries” provided a comprehensive overview of English law and were instrumental in making the law more accessible to both legal practitioners and laypeople. His work was highly regarded in both England and America, influencing the legal systems in both countries. Aside from his academic achievements, Blackstone also served as a judge. He was appointed a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas in 1770 and later served as a Justice of the Court of King’s Bench. He was knighted in 1770 for his contributions to the legal field.

5 Interesting Facts about William Blackstone

1. William Blackstone was the first person to hold the Vinerian Professorship of English Law at Oxford University.

2. His “Commentaries on the Laws of England” were so influential that they were used as a primary reference for American lawyers during the founding of the United States.

3. Blackstone’s “Commentaries” were translated into several languages and had a global impact on the legal systems of many countries.

4. He was known for his clear and systematic presentation of the law, which made legal principles more understandable to a broader audience.

5. Despite his significant contributions, Blackstone faced criticism from some contemporaries who accused him of being too conservative and traditional in his views.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Blackstone

1. “The liberty of the press is indeed essential to the nature of a free state.”

2. “It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer.”

3. “Law, in its most general and comprehensive sense, signifies a rule of action; and is applied indiscriminately to all kinds of action, whether animate or inanimate, rational or irrational.”

4. “The public good is in nothing more essentially interested, than in the protection of every individual’s private rights.”

5. “The laws of England are the birthright of the people thereof; and all the kings and queens who shall ascend the throne of this realm ought to administer the government of the same according to the said laws.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

There are no precise records of William Blackstone’s net worth; however, his academic and judicial positions, along with the success of his “Commentaries,” likely afforded him a comfortable lifestyle relative to the standards of his time.

Children

William Blackstone married Sarah Clitherow in 1761. The couple had nine children, but only one son, Henry Blackstone, survived to adulthood. Henry followed in his father’s legal footsteps and became a barrister.