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Monday, 31 May 2021

It is with deep sadness that we report the death on 31 May 2021 of Judge James Richard Crawford AC SC FBA, Whewell Professor of International Law at the University of Cambridge (1992-2015), Fellow of Jesus College, and Director of the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law (1997-2003, 2006-2010).

A legend of international law, James was also a towering figure on the Cambridge landscape. He was doctoral supervisor to more than 70 students, a mentor and friend to hundreds of students, fellows and visiting fellows, and an inspiration to countless others. At the Centre, we knew him also as an avid reader of history, connoisseur of music, art, food and wine, an excellent host, a great cricket fan, a writer of poetry on international law, and a man of great wit, a sharp sense of humour and a love for the well-turned phrase.

We were proud to see him elected to the International Court of Justice in 2014. Despite his move to The Hague, he remained a great friend of the Centre, visiting regularly, and joining us in all our major events.

James will be deeply, deeply missed. We have opened a page on this website for condolences and tributes. In due course we will also come together to celebrate his extraordinary life.

Our thoughts are with his family.

For more detail see the Faculty of Law website.

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