John Austin

Who was John Austin?

John Austin was a noted British jurist and published extensively concerning the philosophy of law and jurisprudence.

Austin served with the British Army in Sicily and Malta, but sold his officer's commission to study law. He became a member of the Bar during 1818. He discontinued his law practice soon after, devoted himself to the study of law as a science, and became Professor of Jurisprudence in the University of London 1826-33. Thereafter he served on various Royal Commissions.

His publications had a profound influence on English jurisprudence. They include The Province of Jurisprudence Determined, and Lectures on Jurisprudence.

On 24 August 1819, Austin married Sarah Taylor, who also became an author, at St George Colegate, Norwich.