Delta Chi - Sir Edward Coke

Sir Edward Coke

The spiritual founder of the fraternity is Sir Edward Coke (pronounced "cook").

Sir Edward Coke was born in 1552, as the son of a lawyer. He was called to the bar in 1578 after studying at Trinity College in Cambridge, England. In 1589, Coke become a member of parliament for Aldeburgh. In 1594, Coke became the Attorney General, where he prosecuted Sir Walter Raleigh in 1603 and the Gunpowder plot conspirators in 1605. Coke became Chief Justice of the Common Pleas in 1606, two years after being knighted. In 1613, Coke was appointed to be the Chief Justice of the King's Bench. As a member of the King's Bench, he was a strong advocate of Common Law over the King.

In 1620, Coke returned to Parliament representing Cornwall. During this time, Coke became an advocate for parliament's independent power against the king. As a member of Parliament, Coke participated in the impeachment of Francis Bacon as lord chancellor and helped draft the Protestation of December 1621.

Coke is most notably known for his philosophy; best described by him: "No man is above the law, not even the king."