British legal scholar (1861-1939)
Edward Jenks (20 February 1861 - 10 November 1939) was a jurist and noted writer on law and its place in history. He was a brilliant law student at King's College and was placed first in the law tripos of 1886. He was called to the bar in 1887. Jenks was a Fellow of the British Academy. He was a founder of the Society of Public Teachers of Law and its secretary 1909 - 1917.
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A statute of 1344 shows some weakness; but the statute of 1391 is memorable, not merely as being the Mortmain Code of three centuries, but as extending the rule of mortmain to all bodies, religious and secular alike, having perpetual succession. For this extension marks the definite recognition by English Law of the corporation, or, as it is sometimes called, the 'fictitious person' - the legal personality which is not restricted to the limits of individual life. The gradual evolution of this institution is one of the most fascinating chapters in legal history...
Legal business has, from the beginning of time, been profitable - to those who have conducted it; because it is concerned with things that touch men's passions very deeply, and because men are willing to pay, and pay highly, for wisdom and skill in the conduct of it. The real merits of the Norman lawyers were, not altruism, but ability, energy, and enthusiasm for their work.