ERSKINE (OF RESTORMEL), THOMAS ERSKINE, 1ST BARON

born Jan. 10, 1750, Edinburgh, Scot. died Nov. 17, 1823, Almondell, Linlithgowshire British Whig lawyer who made important contributions to the protection of personal liberties. His defense of various politicians and reformers on charges of treason and related offenses acted to check repressive measures taken by the British government in the aftermath of the French Revolution. He also contributed to the law of criminal responsibility. He was raised to the peerage in 1806.