1702 Leatherbound Book Arguments & Reports by Lord Chief Justice

A fine quality 1702 Leatherbound Book containing the arguments put forward by the late Chief Justice Sir Henry Pollexfen (died 1691), referring to 56 special Court of Common Pleas cases.

The actual title of the book is:
‘THE ARGUMENTS AND REPORTS OF Sr. Hen. Pollexfen, Kt. – Late Lord Chief Juftice OF THE Court of Common Pleas, IN SOME SPECIAL CASES, By him argued during the time of his Practice at the Barr. – Together with divers Decrees in the High Court of Chancery. Upon Limitations of Trufts of Terms for years.

The while Printed from the Author’s Original Manufcript. Revifed and Corrected by his own hand.’

The book lists the cases involved in alphabetical order. The cases are written in English, but the laws and rules are quoted in Latin. There are 672 pages. The condition is good, with age toning to the inside front pages and some light foxing. The book if calf leatherbound with some splitting to the crease between the covers and the spine. However, it remains in place thanks to the strengthening cords.

Sir Henry Pollexfen (1632-1691) was Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas. He is linked to Kitley House in the parish of Yealmpton, in Devon. He studied law and entered Inner Temple in 1652, being called to the bar in 1658, and by 1662 he was pleading before the high courts at Westminster Hall. He had a habit of losing his cases, leading to the execution of some of his clients. After William III arrived in 1688, he helped persuade him to declare himself King, Pollexfen was knighted and made Attorney General for England and Wales and appointed Chief Justice of the Common Pleas. In late 1689 he was elected Member of Parliament representing Exeter. After serving as Chief Justice for two years, Pollexfen died of a burst blood vessel.

Size: 22 x 32 x 4.75 cm (8 5/8 x 12 5/8 x 1 7/8 inches)
Weight: 2129 g