Sir John Skene


(Lord Curriehill)

c.1540 - 1617

Jurist and legal historian. Skene held an estate at Currie (Edinburgh). As the King's Advocate, Skene was an enthusiastic prosecutor of witches. He served as Lord Advocate (1589-94), was appointed a Lord of Session as Lord Curriehill in 1594 and served as Lord Clerk Register (1594 - 1612). He was also the Regent of St. Mary's College in St. Andrews. His publications include De Verborum Significatione (1597), a Scottish legal dictionary, and Regiam Majestatem (1609). Skene was knighted by James VI (1566 - 1625).

Two of his sons achieved high office; Sir James was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1628 and John Skene of Hallyards became Lord Clerk Register.


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