Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Ram, James
RAM, JAMES (1793–1870), conveyancer and legal author, son of James Ram of Monkwick, Essex, was born in 1793. He was indentured to a London firm of solicitors, but afterwards entered Pembroke College, Cambridge, where he graduated B.A. in 1817, and proceeded M.A. in 1823. After making what was then the grand tour during 1818–22, he entered the Inner Temple, where he was called to the bar on 21 Nov. 1823. A pupil of the eminent conveyancer, Richard Preston [q. v.], he practised in London and Ipswich, where he resided in later life, and died in 1870. He married the only daughter of Captain Ralph Willett Adye [see Adye, Stephen Payne], and left issue.
As a legal author Ram obtained a well-founded reputation for painstaking research, methodical arrangement, and lucidity of style. His works, all published in London, are as follows: 1. ‘The Science of Legal Judgment: a Treatise designed to show the Materials whereof, and the Process by which, the Courts of Westminster Hall construct their Judgments, and adapted to practical and general use in the Discussion and Determination of Questions of Law,’ 1822, 8vo; New York, 1871, 8vo. 2. ‘Observations on the Natural Right of a Father to the Custody of his Children and to direct their Education; his Forfeiture of this Right, and the Jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery to control it,’ 1825, 8vo. 3. ‘An Outline of the Law of Tenure and Tenancy: containing the first principles of the law of real property,’ 1825, 8vo. 4. ‘A Treatise on the Exposition of Wills of Landed Property,’ 1827, 8vo. 5. ‘A Practical Treatise of Assets, Debts, and Incumbrances,’ 1832; 2nd edit. 1837. 6. ‘A Treatise on Facts as Subjects of Inquiry by a Jury,’ 1851, 8vo; New York, 3rd edit. 1873.
[Gent. Mag. 1810, ii. 493; Grad. Cantab.; Law List; Marvin's Legal Bibliography; private information.]