Name

Grey Cooper

Biography

Barrister who delivered the most comprehensive constitutional defence of the Island's sovereignty ever made in a British parliament — at the Bar of the House of Commons on 18 February 1765. He established that the Island was 'part of the crown, but not of the realm of England,' that the King's writs had never run there, that the regalities were 'severed from, and granted by, the crown.' He cited Hardwicke, invoked Locke and Grotius, drew the parallel with Normandy held of the French Crown. 'Will this House, famous in all ages for the justice, equality, and temper of its proceedings, transgress a rule which has received adoption and practice in all times and in all nations?' Lord Kinnoull: 'No performance at the Bar of the House of Commons has been mentioned with so universal and high applause as Mr Cooper's since Lord Mansfield left that Bar.' Universal applause. Then the House voted as it had always intended to vote.

Active Period

c.1726–1801

Also Known As

Mr Cooper

Place

Westminster

London

Period

Atholl Lordship

Role / Office

Barrister

Constitutional Counsel

Book Chapter

Chapter 10