A renowned English lawyer and judge, he served as a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary and was known for his expertise in commercial and maritime law. His judgments have had a lasting impact on the development of English law.
Peter Millett, Baron Millett, was a British barrister and judge who left an indelible mark on the legal landscape of the United Kingdom. As a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary from 1998 to 2004, he played a pivotal role in shaping the country's judicial system, earning him a reputation as one of the most distinguished judges of his time.
Millett was born on June 23, 1932, in London to Isaac Moses Denis Millett and Adele Yetta Weinberg, both Jews of Polish descent. His father was a prominent figure in Liberal Party politics in Leicestershire, and his mother was a junior tennis champion from Ormskirk, Lancashire.
Millett's education was marked by academic excellence, graduating with a Double First in Classics and Law from Trinity Hall, Cambridge, in 1954. He later served as a Flying Officer in the Royal Air Force from 1955 to 1957.
Millett was called to the bar at Middle Temple in 1955 and joined Lincolns Inn in 1959, where he was appointed a bencher in 1980. He practiced at the Chancery Bar and was an examiner and lecturer in practical conveyancing at the Council of Legal Education from 1962 to 1976.
Throughout his legal career, Millett held various positions, including junior counsel at the Department of Trade and Industry in chancery matters, member of the General Council of the Bar, and member of the Law Commission working party on co-ownership of the matrimonial home.
In 1986, Millett was appointed a judge of the High Court of Justice and was knighted. His judicial career was marked by several notable cases, including the leading tax avoidance case, Ramsay v IRC, in 1982, which created a principle that ended and prevented many tax avoidance schemes.
In 1998, Millett was appointed a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary, a position he held until 2004. During this time, he played a crucial role in shaping the country's judicial system, earning him a reputation as one of the most respected and influential judges of his time.
Millett was awarded an honorary fellowship by Queen Mary, University of London in 2012, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the legal profession.
Millett's personal life was marked by several significant milestones, including his marriage and the birth of his children. He was also an avid tennis player and maintained a strong connection to his Jewish heritage throughout his life.
Peter Millett, Baron Millett, left an indelible mark on the legal profession and the judicial system of the United Kingdom. His commitment to justice, his unwavering dedication to the law, and his contributions to the development of legal principles have had a lasting impact on modern society.
Through his work, Millett demonstrated the importance of fairness, equality, and justice, inspiring generations of lawyers, judges, and individuals to strive for excellence in the pursuit of justice.
In conclusion, Peter Millett, Baron Millett, was a remarkable individual who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice and the development of the law. His legacy continues to inspire and influence the legal profession, ensuring that his impact will be felt for generations to come.
