The Confederate Jurist: The Legal Life of Judah P. Benjamin

by William C. Gilmore, Stephen C. Neff (Foreword by)

Overview

This is the first biography written from a legal perspective on the public life of Judah P. Benjamin (1811–1884); a prominent figure in the common law world in the second half of the 19th century. Drawing on a range of primary source materials including newspaper articles, case law and extensive archival research in the UK and USA, it charts his rise as a lawyer first in the mixed legal system of Louisiana and then nationally. In 1853 he was the first person of Jewish heritage to be offered nomination to the US Supreme Court – an honour he declined. Benjamin was also a member of the US Senate, a slave owner and a supporter of Southern secession. In the Civil War he served continuously in the Confederate Cabinet initially as Attorney General, then as Secretary of War and finally as Secretary of State. Following the victory of the Union he fled America, a fugitive. In political exile in England he requalified as a Barrister at Lincoln’s Inn. Within a decade he had written a scholarly and long-enduring treatise on commercial law and become the undisputed advocate of choice in appeals before the House of Lords and the Privy Council. This book considers the extraordinary career of this distinguished jurist and reflects upon his legal legacy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781474482011
Publisher:	Edinburgh University Press
Publication date:	02/24/2023
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	5.43(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

William (Bill) Gilmore is Emeritus Professor of International Criminal Law in the University of Edinburgh and a former Dean and Head of its School of Law. In 2017 he was awarded the medal of honour of the Council of Europe for his contributions to European efforts to counter money laundering and the financing of terrorism. The Confederate Jurist: The Legal Life of Judah P. Benjamin (Edinburgh UniversityPress, 2021) is his second book of legal history.

Stephen C. Neff is Personal Chair of War and Peace in the School of Law at University of Edinburgh.

Table of Contents

List of FiguresTable of Cases

Foreword by Stephen C. Neff, Professor of War and Peace, University of Edinburgh

Preface and Acknowledgements

Introduction

1. Benjamin’s Emergence as an American Lawyer and Politician
2. Slavery, Secession and Benjamin’s Confederate Years
3. Benjamin’s Exile and Professional Rebirth
4. The Rise and Rise of Benjamin the Barrister
5. Concluding Reflection

Appendix 1 – The Great Escape: Benjamin’s Flight into Exile

Select BibliographyIndex

Editorial Reviews

Bill Gilmore comments that [Judah P Benjamin]’s legacy is more as a distinguished jurist than as a somewhat flawed and controversial politician. That must be right; but, as told by Gilmore, Benjamin’s is an inspiring story of what can be achieved by a lad o’ pairts from humble beginnings. The book is short but engrossing, and comes highly recommended.

Journal of the Law Society of Scotland - Sheriff Alastair N Brown