Wednesday, March 14, 2001, 7:30 - 8:30 PM

“Thomas More as Statesman and Lawyer of the Millennium:  His Legacy for Us”

Professor Gerard Wegemer
Director of the Center for Thomas More Studies
The University of Dallas

Sir Thomas More was elected "Lawyer of the Millennium" by the Law Society of Great Britain in December 1999, and he was celebrated as "Patron of Statesmen" at the Vatican on November 4-5, 2000 by thousands of political and cultural leaders from throughout the world. Occasioned by these events, this lecture will investigate the importance of these recent events as well as More's unique contributions for our times.

About Sir Thomas More
Sir Thomas was the son of an eminent judge, and he eventually became Lord Chancellor of England under King Henry VIII.  In addition, he was one of the most highly regarded lawyers of his day, an historian, and a philosopher who gave the first known defense of free speech.  He was also a poet who wrote to his monarch, diplomatically reminding him that law and popular support were of greater importance than hereditary power and privilege. More was arguably the first in the English-speaking world to present a consistent defense for the system of justice eventually adopted by the United States: rule of law for all (even the king or chief executive), division of power, separation of church and state, elected representation, and protected forms of free and public deliberation.  Famous among Londoners for his care for the poor and his impartial justice to all, Sir Thomas was also well known for the balanced life he lived in regard to family, church, and civic responsibilities.

About the Speaker
Dr. Gerard Wegemer is a professor at the University of Dallas and the Director for the Center of Thomas More Studies.  He has published many articles and books on Thomas More and is a member of the Board of Editors for Moreana, the international journal on Thomas More and his times.  He has graduate degrees in political philosophy and Renaissance literature.  His most recent book is Thomas More on Statesmanship (1998), and he is editing a paperback series of More's most popular works.