Butler-Sloss, Elizabeth (1933–)

views updated

Butler-Sloss, Elizabeth (1933–)

British judge. Name variations: Elizabeth Butler Sloss; Elizabeth Havers; Dame Elizabeth Butler-Sloss. Born Ann Elizabeth Oldfield Havers, Aug 10, 1933, in Kew Gardens, Richmond, Surrey, England; dau. of Sir Cecil Havers QC (high court judge); sister of Nigel Havers; attended Wycombe Abbey School; m. Joseph William Alexander Butler-Sloss, 1958; children: 2 sons, 1 daughter.

The 1st woman appointed to the Court of Appeal, was called to Bar by Inner Temple (1955) and practiced as barrister (1955–75); unsuccessfully contested the Conservative seat at Lambeth (1959); served as a divorce registrar (1970–79), as a judge of the High Court, Family Division (1979–88), and as 1st lady Lord Justice of Appeal (1987–99); chaired Cleveland Sex Abuse Inquiry (1987–88); named president of the Family Division (1999); began serving as chancellor of University of the West of England (1993). Appointed Dame of the Order of the British Empire (DBE, 1979).