Uploaded September 2022 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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FIRST - LEX

I

Dominating judgments with intelligence
A sharp incisive devastating accuracy
An optimist walking our technical existence
Top Scottish judge learned in advocacy

A total dependence of precedent as a lion
In the senior Law Lord’s lair
Cruises at legal speed through regions
Of complex fact in human affairs

Modernized to combat societal change
Which as Rousseau’s social contract just survived
The collision of thoughts and range
As principles of natural justice so splendidly devised

But Bench and Bar have your wise decisions no more
A successful retiring helmsman of the common law

II

Directing the House of Lords in decisions held
Through radicalism and society’s stability
With a judicial influence profoundly felt
Centred on your continuity and sheer ability

You protected and administered a special function
Superb smooth style like soothing sound
Interpreting laws with incisive decision
Mixing a political animal’s obvious background

Important architect of innovation development
Basting the newly emerged administrative law
In so many outstanding written judgments
The judicially impartial conservative’s door

Your character was so fine and admirable
The greatest Scottish judge and intellectual

LR. Harrogate 1974