James Lorimer (advocate)

James Lorimer of Kellyfield, FRSE LLD (4 November 1818 – 13 February 1890) was a Scottish advocate and professor of public law.

He purchased an impressive Georgian townhouse at 22 Queen Street, with James Jardine as a close neighbour.

[3] He became Regius Professor of Public Law at the University of Edinburgh in 1862,[5] a post he retained until his death.

[7] He is buried in the extreme south-west corner of the very small and remote Newburn Churchyard in Fife with his wife and children.

[5] His worldview defined humanity organization divided into civilized states, barbarians and savages.

[13] His concerns with the application of natural law to international relations were particularly influential in formalising the forms of inter-state recognition in 19th century continental Europe.

Lorimer's portrait, by J. H. Lawson, hangs in the main stair leading to the Playfair Library in Old College, University of Edinburgh.