William Blackstone English lawyer and writer Date of Birth: 10.07.1723 Country: Great Britain

1. Biography of William Blackstone
2. Filling the Gap in Legal Education
3. Commentaries on the Laws of England

Biography of William Blackstone

William Blackstone (1723–1780) was an English lawyer and writer, born into a merchant family in Cheapside, London on July 10, 1723. He received his education at Charterhouse School in London and Pembroke College, Oxford University. In 1741, he joined Middle Temple and marked the occasion with a poem titled "Farewell to the Muse of Law" (printed in "Dodson's Almanac"). In 1744, Blackstone was elected a fellow of All Souls College, Oxford. Two years later, he became a practicing lawyer but soon discovered that he lacked the qualities required for a successful lawyer at the time. In 1753, he resigned and reinstated his membership in the academic community of Oxford.

Filling the Gap in Legal Education

During that time, English universities did not offer courses on English law. Blackstone decided to fill this educational gap. From 1753, he delivered lecture courses that provided students with the necessary preparation. In 1758, Blackstone was appointed as a professor of jurisprudence. In 1761, he was elected to Parliament representing the Hindon constituency in Wiltshire. In the same year, he was appointed as a royal advisor. After getting married, Blackstone had to leave his position at All Souls College and was appointed as the rector of New Inn Hall, Oxford. He left this position in 1766.

Commentaries on the Laws of England

In 1763, Blackstone was offered a specially created position as the Queen Charlotte Sophia's solicitor general. In 1765, the first volume of his renowned work, "Commentaries on the Laws of England," was published. He released the remaining three parts over the next four years. In 1768, Blackstone returned to Parliament as a representative of Westbury. In 1770, he declined an offer to become the solicitor general but became one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas. Blackstone's Commentaries remain a cornerstone of English and American legal practice. He passed away in London on February 14, 1780.