Law student favourite would be 117 today
Today is Lord Denning’s (posthumous) birthday.
Born on January 23 1899, in Whitchurch in Hampshire, the former barrister and judge would have been 117 today if he was still alive.
Renowned among law students for his often unconventional judgments and pithy dissents, the late and great Denning was once described as the “people’s judge”.
Having completed two first class degrees at Oxford — one in maths followed by one in law — young Denning was called to the bar in 1923 at Lincoln’s Inn. Securing tenancy at 4 Brick Court, based on Middle Temple Lane, Denning carved a career out as a successful advocate.
Some 20 years later and Denning had moved on to become a member of the judiciary of England and Wales.
Initially placed as the recorder of Plymouth in 1944, Denning had to wait only one month before being officially appointed as a High Court judge. Receiving a knighthood in the process, Denning was fast tracked up the judicial ladder, becoming Lord Justice of Appeal just four years later in 1948.
Reaching the level of Lord of Appeal in Ordinary in 1957, it wasn’t until 1962 that Lord Denning became Master of the Rolls, a position he held for 20 years.
Passing away in 1999 aged 100, his popularity among law students hasn’t faded.
Happy birthday homeboy!