Salmond, Southern Jurist - Alex Frame

An account of the life and times of New Zealand’s famous tourist, Sir John salmon (1862 to 1924), as long overdue. Alex frames engaging study of the career and work of this influential legal philosopher and man of state traces the development of salmon principle ideas about law and their application to social and political problems of New Zealand in the first quarter of the 20th century.

An account of the life and times of New Zealand’s famous jurist, Sir John Salmond (1862 to 1924).

Alex Frame’s engaging study of the career and work of this influential legal philosopher and man of State traces the development of Salmond’s principal ideas about law and their application to social and political problems of New Zealand in the first quarter of the 20th century.

Salmond’s classic texts on Jurisprudence and the law of Torts have been known throughout the English speaking law world for nearly a century. This book explores leading ideas which informed these works and the context of their time. However, it is Salmond’s successive roles as philosopher/teacher, high State official and judge which provide the rare opportunity of comparing idea with action, and of assessing Salmond‘s legal method at work in real social and political contexts.

Access to files from Salmond’s time as Solicitor-General has enabled Alex Frame to provide a behind-the-scenes picture of the State’s response to three principal issues of the time: the challenge of organised labour in 1912, the conduct of all-out war against Germany from 1914, and the need to respond in a coherent and effective way to claims by both Māori and European New Zealanders in relation to land and the Treaty of Waitangi. Frame has brought to light new and challenging material in each of these areas.

Sir John Salmond’s judicial record is also analysed and some leading cases discussed in detail. Salmond’s appointment as New Zealand representative to the Washington Disarmament conference in 1921 provides the opportunity to consider his views of international law. 

This biography provides insight into Salmond's thinking and his contributions to New Zealand law as well as telling the story of his life and showing the influence of his times.

Victoria University Press, 1995. Hardback, 296 pages. 

Condition: secondhand hardback in excellent condition. Dust jacket also in excellent condition.