Charles de Visscher

Charles Marie Joseph Désiré de Visscher (2 August 1884 – 2 January 1973) was a Belgian scholar and practitioner of international law, as well as judge on the Permanent Court of International Justice and International Court of Justice.

Early life and education Charles de Visscher was born in Ghent on 2 August 1884. Orphaned at twelve years old following the death of his father, a professor at Ghent University, Charles de Visscher and his younger brother Ferdinand (died 1964) were placed in the care of Abbé Watté.

The elder de Visscher attended Ghent University where he earned his Docteur en Droit—at the time, an initial law degree—graduating 8 October 1907. He earned a second degree, this time in political science, graduating 2 February 1909.

Career In 1911, de Visscher became professor at the Ghent University faculty of law. He taught courses on civil law, criminal law and private international law,

In 1966, the American Society of International Law awarded de Visscher the Manley O. Hudson Medal.

Personal life Charles de Visscher's wife Hélène (née Mertens) died on 2 August 1958. The couple's marriage bore seven children. The eldest, Jacques de Visscher, died near the Albert Canal on 10 May 1940 while on a mission. Two sons became priests, while another became a monk. Paul de Visscher went on to teach law at the Catholic University of Louvain. Two grandchildren also teach law: Françoise Leurquin-de Visscher and François Ost. He died in Brussels on 2 January 1973.