Regius Professor of Public Law and the Law of Nature and Nations

It was established in 1707 by Queen Anne, and was the first chair in law created at the university.

Its first occupant was Charles Erskine, who was appointed on 7 November aged only twenty-seven years, despite the Town Council's objections.

He had previously taught Jurisprudence at the University of St Andrews and Balliol College, Oxford.

MacCormick came to be recognised as amongst the world's leading contemporary jurists, and was knighted in 2001 for his services to law.

MacCormick retired in 2008 and was succeeded by Neil Walker.