Description
Book SynopsisThe story of Jewish emancipation is not well-known, nor how Jews came to make such a significant contribution to the law and democracy in England. This book recounts how Jews first came to England, were expelled, returned, and eventually assumed their place in Parliament and on the bench in court. It tells of the first Jewish politicians, lawyers and judges who later occupied prominent roles as President of the Supreme Court, Lord Chief Justice, Master of the Rolls and Attorney-General. The turning point was an 1858 Act of Parliament which allowed Jews and others to take an oath compatible with their own religious beliefs (extending comparable benefits conferred on Catholics almost 70 years before). This opened the doors for the first unconverted Jewish MP, Lionel de Rothschild who won a seat in the House of Commons four times without until then being able to occupy it. The book surveys Jewish tradition from ancient times to the days when modern governments turned to Jewish lawyers in troubling moments - and it lists lawyers famous and less well-known: judges, politicians, the innovators, the experts, and the mavericks who helped build the system we have today.
Trade Review'As this superb book shows... the Jewish contribution to English law has been enormous. How? Read the book.'-- The Law Society Gazette; ‘A brisk and cheerful anthology of the unique contribution made by scores of distinguished Jewish judges and lawyers to English law’-- Jonathan Goldberg QC, Jewish Chronicle; 'An interesting, well-researched, erudite and often humorous account... well-written, and clearly a labour of love.'-- Jacqueline Levene LLB (Hons), Honorary Secretary, UK Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists; 'This is a very good book and owing to Barrington Black's rather cheery style most readable'-- Brian P Block JP.
Table of ContentsIntroduction; The Attraction of the Law; Oaths and Vows; Early Days in England; The Laws of England Concerning Jews; Conversion and Return; 'We May Give You the Laws, But ... '; The First Jewish Lawyers; Bar and Bench; Into the Twentieth Century; Judicial Appointments High and Low; Jewish Lawyers in Politics; The Doors Were Open to All; Some Notable Jewish Solicitors; Epilogue; Selected Bibliography; Index.
