Chances are if you turn to the back cover of any phone book yellow pages, you'll see pictures of personal injury lawyers claiming to be committed to the law and their profession. In addition to boasting long histories of courtroom successes and memberships in bar and trial lawyers groups, they will most likely offer free hospital appointments for injured clients, advancement of costs and no fees without a favorable verdict or settlement. This level of dedication is easily seen for what it is - self-serving in nature. One lawyer however, undeniably stands out as being totally committed to both the letter and spirit of the law. His name was Thomas More and his dedication to the law not only resulted in him being canonized a saint, but led to the creation of a national lawyer's association named in his honor.
Born in 1477, More was at a young age, put under the care of the Archbishop of Canterbury. He so impressed the Archbishop with his brilliant intellect and good nature, he arranged for More to attend Oxford. In addition to the classics, More studied French, history, mathematics, and played the flute and viol.
After studying law at New Inn, More became a member of Parliament. As a result of his courageous opposition to large and unjust taxes imposed by King Henry VII, the amounts imposed were reduced.
Thomas More was a free thinker, who opposed the Protestant Reformation. More also refused to sign the Act of Supremacy of 1534 which would have declared his friend King Henry VII to be the head of the Church of England.
As a result, More was imprisoned in the infamous Tower of England to await his trial and execution.
At the time, More served as Lord Chancellor which is the equivalent of United States Attorney General. In addition to being a lawyer, statesman, philosopher and saint, Thomas More was a prolific writer. His book Utopia was a novel about an ideal form of government administered on an imaginary island. It is reported than just before his execution, More proclaimed he died as "the King's good servant and God's first." More was canonized in 1935 by Pope Pius XI and is today recognized as the patron saint of lawyers.
The St. Thomas More Society of America is a national lawyers organization dedicated honoring the life and career of its namesake. The Thomas More Law Center in Ann Arbor Michigan also advocates and litigates legal cases involving violations of personal and religious liberties.
Thomas More and I were both born on February 7th. In these times when lawyers, judges and state bar associations seem to be guided more by political correctness, camaraderie and outdated belief systems, I find myself finding comfort and inspiration in reading the many books and writings by and about this great man. His diverse interests and talents earned him the nickname "A Man For All Seasons" by his friends. In 1966, a biographic film about him by the same name was also released. It earned six Oscar nominations and won Best Picture and Best Actor awards.
Born in 1477, More was at a young age, put under the care of the Archbishop of Canterbury. He so impressed the Archbishop with his brilliant intellect and good nature, he arranged for More to attend Oxford. In addition to the classics, More studied French, history, mathematics, and played the flute and viol.
After studying law at New Inn, More became a member of Parliament. As a result of his courageous opposition to large and unjust taxes imposed by King Henry VII, the amounts imposed were reduced.
Thomas More was a free thinker, who opposed the Protestant Reformation. More also refused to sign the Act of Supremacy of 1534 which would have declared his friend King Henry VII to be the head of the Church of England.
As a result, More was imprisoned in the infamous Tower of England to await his trial and execution.
At the time, More served as Lord Chancellor which is the equivalent of United States Attorney General. In addition to being a lawyer, statesman, philosopher and saint, Thomas More was a prolific writer. His book Utopia was a novel about an ideal form of government administered on an imaginary island. It is reported than just before his execution, More proclaimed he died as "the King's good servant and God's first." More was canonized in 1935 by Pope Pius XI and is today recognized as the patron saint of lawyers.
The St. Thomas More Society of America is a national lawyers organization dedicated honoring the life and career of its namesake. The Thomas More Law Center in Ann Arbor Michigan also advocates and litigates legal cases involving violations of personal and religious liberties.
Thomas More and I were both born on February 7th. In these times when lawyers, judges and state bar associations seem to be guided more by political correctness, camaraderie and outdated belief systems, I find myself finding comfort and inspiration in reading the many books and writings by and about this great man. His diverse interests and talents earned him the nickname "A Man For All Seasons" by his friends. In 1966, a biographic film about him by the same name was also released. It earned six Oscar nominations and won Best Picture and Best Actor awards.
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