Overview

The 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.

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9781914603037

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Reviews

'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.

'This is a very good book and owing to Barrington Black's rather cheery style most readable'-- Brian P Block JP

Author Information

Barrington Black was for many years one of the UK's best-known criminal solicitors and founder of a Leeds practice known as Black's. Next a Metropolitan Stipendiary Magistrate (district judge) then Circuit Judge he rounded-off his long judicial career as a Supreme Court Justice in Gibraltar. As a lawyer he appeared in high-profile cases including representing Donald Nielsen ('The Black Panther'). A frequent writer to The Times, Telegraph and Jewish Chronicle he also contributed to Yorkshire TV's Calendar and BBC's Look North. A long-time resident of Harrogate, council member and Parliamentary candidate he now lives in North London. His autobiography Both Sides of the Bench was published by Waterside Press in 2015.

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