Charles Arthur Turner


Sir Charles Arthur Turner, K.C.I.E was a British jurist, Chief Justice of Madras High Court. He was the first barrister judge appointed directly to the Allahabad High Court from England.

Early life

Turner was born to Reverend John Fisher Turner at Exeter, England. After completion of study at Exeter Grammar School and at Exeter College Oxford, he was called to the Bar by Lincoln's Inn in 1858.

Career

He was appointed as puisne Judge in Allahabad High Court in 1866 and served there for twelve years. In 1879 he became the Chief Justice of Madras High Court after Sir Walter Morgan and served since 1879 to 1885. He held the post of Vice-Chancellor of Madras University In 1880 and 1882. Sir Turner also served as a member of the Law Commission of India and Public Service Commission with Sir Charles Umpherston Aitchison in 1886. He was awarded Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire in 1879 on becoming Chief Justice. He became a judicial member as well as vice president of the Council of India. Turner died in London in 1907.