Lorimer, James, 1818-1890 (Professor of Law)

Dates

• Existence: 1818 - 1890

Biography

Jurist and political philosopher James Lorimer was born at Aberdalgie, in Perthshire, on 4 November 1818. He was educated at Perth High School, and then at the universities of Edinburgh, Berlin, and Bonn, and also in Geneva, studying Philosophy, Zoology and Chemistry. A brief career in commerce followed, in Glasgow, but in 1845 he was admitted as a member of the Faculty of Advocates of Scotland. Some practice at the bar followed and experience as sheriff-substitute of Midlothian but his career was to continue in the development of jurisprudence. Lorimer made his mark as an author with 'The universities of Scotland past, present, and possible'(1854), 'Political progress not necessarily democratic, or, Relative equality the true foundation of liberty' (1857), 'Constitutionalism of the future, or, Parliament the mirror of the nation' (1865).

In 1865 he was appointed to the Chair of 'The Law of Nature and of Nations'. He then devoted his energy into teaching the philosophy of law and described his system in 'Institutes of law' (1872) which was translated into French in 1890. Though familiar to continental European lawyers, Lorimer's school of thought which attached little importance to the historical method, tended to be ignored in England where the utilitarian and positive schools were strong. Lorimer's method of jurisprudence, that of constructing a system of reasoning from cause to effect, was more appreciated in France and Germany. Lectures in international law were expanded in 'The institutes of the law of nations: a treatise of the jural relations of separate political communities' (1883-1884). In his work he discussed neutrality, nationality, and proportional disarmament. Lorimer even put forward a scheme for the organisation of an international government of Europe with Geneva as its centre.

At Edinburgh University, he sought to develop the Faculty of Law and extended its studies in order to qualify its graduates not only for the practice of law in Scotland but for the civil and diplomatic services. Lorimer was an advocate of political reforms such as proportional representation and the enfranchisement of women. Professor James Lorimer died in Edinburgh on 13 February 1890. He was survived by his wife, Hannah Stodart (1835-1916), and children: James Lorimer (1852-1898), Hannah Cassels Lorimer (1854-1947), John Henry Lorimer (1856-1936), Janet Alice Lorimer (1857-1946), Caroline Louise Lorimer (1861-1946) and Robert Lorimer (1864-1929).

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