Frederick Pollock
Frederick Pollock
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Frederick William Maitland Pollock was commonly known as F.W. Maitland Pollock.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: September 25, 1845
Died: December 18, 1937
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Pollock was a British jurist, academic, and politician of Irish descent. He held various positions throughout his career, including:
Fellow of King's College, Cambridge (1874-1919)
Professor of Jurisprudence at Oxford University (1900-1923)
Member of Parliament for Oxford University (1895-1906)Early Life and Background
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Frederick Pollock was born in Dublin, Ireland, to a family of modest means. His father, William Maitland Pollock, was a lawyer, while his mother, Elizabeth, came from a landed gentry family. The young Pollock demonstrated an aptitude for learning at an early age and won a scholarship to King's College School in London.
Pollock's academic abilities earned him a place at King's College, Cambridge, where he studied law and philosophy under the guidance of notable scholars such as Henry Longueville Mansel. His intellectual curiosity and passion for learning led him to develop a deep understanding of jurisprudence, which would become the cornerstone of his future career.
Major Accomplishments
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Pollock's most significant contributions were in the field of jurisprudence. He was instrumental in shaping the modern study of law, advocating for its integration with other social sciences. His work on the nature and scope of law helped to establish the foundations of legal positivism, a philosophical approach that emphasizes the importance of social context in understanding the law.
As a prominent academic, Pollock held various prestigious positions, including professorships at Oxford University and Fellow of King's College, Cambridge. He was also an accomplished politician, serving as a Member of Parliament for Oxford University from 1895 to 1906.
Notable Works or Actions
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Pollock's most notable works include:
The Unwritten Law (1883) - A collection of essays that explored the relationship between law and social norms.
* The Limits of Legal Liability (1874) - A treatise on tort law, which examined the boundaries of liability in civil cases.
His contributions to the field of jurisprudence extended beyond his written works. As a respected academic and politician, Pollock played a key role in shaping public policy and promoting legal reform. His advocacy for social justice and human rights helped to raise awareness about these issues during a time when they were often overlooked.
Impact and Legacy
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Pollock's impact on the study of law was profound. His work on jurisprudence helped to establish the field as a distinct area of academic inquiry, paving the way for future generations of scholars. As a politician, he used his platform to promote social reform and advocate for human rights.
Today, Pollock is remembered as one of the most influential jurists of his time. His writings continue to be studied by scholars and students around the world, offering insights into the complexities of law and its relationship with society.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Frederick Pollock's quotes are widely sought after due to his insightful commentary on the nature and scope of law. His writings offer a unique perspective on the role of jurisprudence in shaping our understanding of social norms and institutions. As a respected scholar, politician, and advocate for human rights, Pollock continues to inspire those interested in exploring the complexities of law and its impact on society.
Pollock's legacy extends beyond his written works and academic contributions. His commitment to promoting social justice and advocating for human rights has left a lasting impact on the world. As a result, he remains one of the most widely quoted and remembered figures in the history of jurisprudence.
Quotes by Frederick Pollock

A doctrine capable of being stated only in obscure and involved terms is open to reasonable suspicion of being either crude or erroneous

Have you ever found any logical reason why mutual promises are sufficient consideration for one another (like the two lean horses of a Calcutta hack who can only just stand together)? I have not.

It cannot be assumed that equity was following common law whenever they agreed, any more than the converse.

Consider the Essay as a political pamphlet on the Revolution side, and the fact that it was the Whig gospel for a century, and you will see its working merit.

If you deny that any principles of conduct at all are common to and admitted by all men who try to behave reasonably - well, I don't see how you can have any ethics or any ethical background for law.

Crabbed and obscure definitions are of no use beyond a narrow circle of students, of whom probably every one has a pet one of his own.



