Henry Joy (judge)


Henry Joy was an Irish judge. He was appointed Solicitor-General for Ireland in 1822, and Attorney-General for Ireland in 1827. He was made Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer in 1831, a position he held until his death in 1838. He was a cousin of the United Irishmen leader, Henry Joy McCracken.

Family

He was born in Belfast, son of Henry Joy and grandson of Francis Joy; his mother was Barbara Dunbar, daughter of George Dunbar from Dungannon. The Joy family, who were of Huguenot origin, were among Belfast's leading industrialists and Francis founded the Belfast News Letter. His aunt Ann was the mother of Henry Joy McCracken. The future judge did not share his cousin's passion for politics; although he opposed the Act of Union 1800, he was considered a non-political barrister.

Career

He was educated at the University of Dublin, entered Middle Temple in 1783 and was called to the Bar in 1788. He went on the north-east circuit and specialised in equity. He was an acknowledged expert in this field of law, but his career progressed slowly, due perhaps due to his lack of interest in politics. He took silk in 1808, and became Third Sergeant in 1814, Second Sergeant in 1816 and First Sergeant in 1817.
According to Elrington Ball, his promotion from Attorney-General to Chief Baron was a purely political decision. Although Joy was well qualified for the position on grounds of legal ability, the appointment was intended to please Daniel O'Connell. O'Connell, however, had quarreled with Joy, as he had with most of the Irish judiciary, and so far from being pleased at Joy's elevation, unsuccessfully sought his removal from the Bench.
Joy died in 1838 at his residence Woodtown Park, Rathfarnham, County Dublin, and was buried in Monkstown. He never married.

Character

A popular verse, punning on his surname, suggests that he was a rather dour character: "tho' he smiles, 'tis less with mirth than pleasure". He was noted for his dedication to the law and lack of interest in politics, but did not lack other enthusiasms. He was deeply interested in ornithology and arboriculture, and kept a small private museum. He was a noted traveller, who went as far as Constantinople.