Thomas Erskine and Trial by Jury

"Those who are not familiar with the man would be well advised to read this biography without delay." - Law Society Gazette ** "This work is of more than historical interest. It shows how the advocate can affect the law, and by doing so, the constitution." - Counsel ** "Thomas Erskine was one of the bar's greatest names. Few however know this extraordinary story." - Litigation ** "With eloquent invective Erskine mesmerized juries." - Justice of the Peace **** This is the biography of Thomas Erskine, the First Baron Erskine, 1750-1823. He was a Member of Parliament for Portsmouth. As King's Counsel, Erskine's defense of Thomas Paine's Rights of Man cost him the post of Attorney-General, though he was later appointed Lord Chancellor. Erskine continued to take part in celebrated trials, such as the prosecution of Queen Caroline for adultery. Thomas Erskine and Trial by Jury is an ideal companion to Sir William Garrow: His Life, Times and Fight for Justice, also by John Hostettler.