Francis Blackburne PC (Ire) KS (11 November 1782 – 17 September 1867) was an Irish judge and eventually became Lord Chancellor of Ireland.

William White before entering Trinity College Dublin in 1798,[2] later winning a scholarship, gold medal (1803) and other distinctions.

Blackburne was nominated a King's Counsel in 1822, and administered the Insurrection Act in Limerick for two years, effectually restoring order in the district.

Blackburne's statement that he "would not tolerate a refusal to ratify the appointment", is an indication of the influence which could then be wielded by a strong Attorney General.

[4] He was bitterly disappointed, referring to the decision as "a harsh and cruel blow" and a poor reward for the sacrifices he had made.

Blackburne prosecuted Daniel O'Connell (who regarded him as a personal enemy) and presided at the trial of William Smith O'Brien.