Kara Sears
Patrick Henry, born in Hanover County, Virginia, in 1736, was a self-taught lawyer. In 1760, he successfully completed his bar exam before a panel of distinguished Virginia attorneys, including Wythe and Randolph. Thomas Jefferson, in his notes, mentions that two of the examiners, Peyton and John Randolph, signed his license with reluctance, while Wythe refused. However, a Goochland County document from April 1760 acknowledges Henry's eligibility to practice law in Virginia, bearing the names of John Randolph and George Wythe as the approving attorneys.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of obtaining law license | 1760 |
| Examiners | Peyton Randolph, John Randolph, Robert Carter Nicholas, Edmund Pendleton, George Wythe |
| Examiners who initially rejected the application | George Wythe, Edmund Pendleton |
| Examiners who signed the license | Peyton Randolph, John Randolph, Robert Carter Nicholas, George Wythe |
| Thomas Jefferson's notes on Patrick Henry | Thomas Jefferson noted that Patrick Henry was "very ignorant of law" but the Randolphs perceived him to be a young man of genius |
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What You'll Learn
Patrick Henry was self-taught in law
Patrick Henry was a self-taught lawyer who played a significant role in the American Revolution and became one of the most influential figures in US history. Born in 1736 in Hanover County, Virginia, Henry had a modest start to his career, working as a clerk and merchant before finding his true calling in law.
Henry's journey towards becoming a lawyer began in 1759 when he started reading law books at home in Hanover Tavern. He was determined to acquire legal knowledge through self-study, and after dedicated preparation, he felt ready to take the next step. In 1760, Henry travelled to Williamsburg to obtain his professional license to practice law. He approached a panel of distinguished Virginia attorneys, including George Wythe and John Randolph, who would decide whether to grant him the license.
The process was not without challenges. While John Randolph and Peyton Randolph were persuaded to sign the license, recognising Henry's intelligence and potential, George Wythe adamantly refused. Another examiner, Robert Carter Nicholas, initially refused as well but eventually conceded after Henry's persistent requests and promises of further legal study. Despite the reluctance of some examiners, Henry successfully obtained his license to practice law in the colony of Virginia.
Henry's self-taught legal abilities were soon put to the test in 1763 when he took on the "Parsons' Cause" case. This case marked the beginning of Henry's legal career and his rise to fame. He argued against the British authorities in colonial Virginia, sparking controversy and establishing himself as a passionate advocate for colonial rights. Henry's legal arguments transformed private legal disputes into public controversies, showcasing his skill in leveraging legal cases to address broader societal issues.
Henry's success in the "Parsons' Cause" case propelled him into Virginia politics. He moved to Louisa County in 1764 and was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1765. He quickly became known as one of Virginia's most radical politicians, fervently opposing the Stamp Act of 1765 and British taxation policies. Henry's fiery speeches, including his famous "give me liberty or give me death" declaration, galvanised the colonies' resistance to British rule and laid the groundwork for the American Revolution.
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He was deemed ignorant of the law by examiners
Patrick Henry was deemed ignorant of the law by examiners during his bar exam. Thomas Jefferson's notes on Patrick Henry mention that two examiners, Peyton and John Randolph, acknowledged that Henry was "very ignorant of the law". Despite this, they signed his licence, albeit reluctantly. Another examiner, Robert C. Nicholas, initially refused but eventually signed after repeated importunities and promises of future reading. Jefferson's notes also mention that Mr Wythe absolutely refused to sign.
Henry obtained his law license in 1760 at the age of 24. He had only begun studying law six weeks prior to taking the bar exam. Judge Tyler, in Sketches of the Life and Character of Patrick Henry, recounts that Henry was ignorant of the practical part of the law. He was unable to draw a declaration or a plea, and incapable of the most common and simple business of his profession. For instance, he lacked knowledge of the mode of ordering a suit, giving a notice, or making a motion in court.
Henry's lack of knowledge in law was also noted by Jefferson outside of the bar exam. Jefferson later complained that Henry was lazy and ignorant in the practice of law, his sole talent being trying cases before juries. He also accused Henry of charging criminal defendants high fees.
Despite being deemed ignorant of the law by examiners, Henry went on to become a prominent lawyer and politician. He soon became involved in Virginia politics and was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses. He was also one of Virginia's leading advocates for independence during the American Revolution.
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Two examiners, Peyton and John Randolph, signed his license reluctantly
In 1760, Patrick Henry decided to become a lawyer. Although he was self-taught and barely prepared, he persuaded a panel of distinguished Virginia attorneys that he had the intelligence to warrant admission to the bar.
Thomas Jefferson's notes on Patrick Henry reveal that two examiners, Peyton and John Randolph, signed his license with great reluctance. Jefferson described them as "men of great facility and temper". He further noted that the two Randolphs (presumably referring to Peyton and John) acknowledged that Henry was "very ignorant of the law" but believed him to be a ""young man of genius" and did not doubt that he would soon qualify himself.
Despite their reluctance, the two examiners signed the license, allowing Patrick Henry to become a licensed lawyer. He established a thriving practice in the courts of Hanover and adjacent counties.
It is worth noting that other sources, including Jefferson himself, mention additional examiners beyond Peyton and John Randolph. In one account, Jefferson refers to four examiners: Wythe, Pendleton, Peyton Randolph, and John Randolph. According to Jefferson, Wythe and Pendleton rejected Henry's application outright, while the two Randolphs were persuaded to sign the license. A document from Goochland County, dated April 1760, acknowledges Henry's eligibility to practice law in Virginia and bears the names of John Randolph and George Wythe, the latter of whom Jefferson claimed had refused to sign.
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Robert Carter Nichols and George Wythe initially refused to sign
In 1760, Patrick Henry successfully completed his bar exam before notable Virginia attorneys Robert Carter Nicholas (also known as Robert C. Nicholas or Rob. C. Nicholas), Edmund Pendleton, John Randolph, and George Wythe.
Thomas Jefferson's notes on Patrick Henry reveal that Robert Carter Nicholas and George Wythe initially refused to sign Patrick Henry's law license. According to Jefferson, Nicholas and Wythe considered Henry "very ignorant of law". However, Nicholas eventually signed after Henry made repeated importunities and promises of future reading.
George Wythe was an American academic, scholar, and judge who was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was a mentor to Thomas Jefferson, John Marshall, Henry Clay, and other American leaders. Wythe was proficient in Latin and Greek and was known for his devotion to books and learning. He taught students on a near-individual apprenticeship basis, with some private pupils boarding at his home and receiving daily instruction in classical languages, political philosophy, and law.
Robert Carter Nicholas was a lawyer and a member of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, which led the opposition to the Stamp Act. He was described as having "Spartan vigour and compactness". Nicholas was also involved in a case with George Wythe, where Wythe's reputation may have been tarnished. Nicholas was appointed treasurer, while Peyton Randolph became speaker, and his brother John Randolph became king's attorney general, a position Wythe had aspired to.
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Patrick Henry's intelligence convinced examiners to approve his license
In 1760, Patrick Henry, nearing his twenty-fourth birthday, decided to become a lawyer. He was self-taught and barely prepared, but his energy, talents, and encouragement from his influential family helped him establish a thriving practice in the courts of Hanover and adjacent counties.
Thomas Jefferson's notes on Patrick Henry reveal that two examiners, Peyton and John Randolph, signed his license with great reluctance. Jefferson mentions that "they perceived him to be a young man of genius, and did not doubt that he would soon qualify himself." Robert Carter Nichols also initially refused to sign but later agreed after Henry made repeated promises of future reading.
Despite some examiners' reluctance, Patrick Henry's intelligence and potential convinced John Randolph and Robert Carter Nichols to approve his license. George Wythe, one of the examiners, absolutely refused to sign, and Edmund Pendleton initially rejected Henry's application. However, Henry's persistence and the recognition of his abilities by John Randolph and Robert Carter Nichols led to the approval of his law license.
Patrick Henry's self-study in law and his ability to persuade distinguished attorneys like John Randolph and Robert Carter Nichols of his intelligence and potential resulted in the approval of his license to practice law in the colony of Virginia. He went on to establish a successful legal career and became a prominent figure in the lead-up to the American Revolution.
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Frequently asked questions
Patrick Henry obtained his law license from John Randolph and George Wythe.
John Randolph was one of the examiners for Patrick Henry's law license interview.
The other examiner was George Wythe.
Thomas Jefferson noted that George Wythe "absolutely refused to sign" Patrick Henry's license. However, a Goochland County document from April 1760 acknowledges Henry's eligibility to practice law in Virginia with the signatures of both John Randolph and George Wythe.
