Dallin H. Oaks

Dallin Harris Oaks (born August 12, 1932) was born in Provo, Utah. He is a former professor of law at the University of Chicago's school of law, former president of Brigham Young University, and former justice of Utah Supreme Court. In 1981, he was closely considered by the Ronald Reagan administration as a supreme court nominee along with Robert Bork, Antonin Scalia and Anthony Kennedy. The position was filled by Sandra Day O'Connor to fulfill a campaign promise made by Reagan to appoint a woman to the court.

Related Topics:
August 12 - 1932 - Provo - Utah - University of Chicago - Brigham Young University - Utah Supreme Court - Ronald Reagan - Robert Bork - Antonin Scalia - Anthony Kennedy - Sandra Day O'Connor

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In 1984 he was ordained an Apostle and member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Related Topics:
1984 - Apostle - Quorum of the Twelve Apostles - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

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He was the youngest Apostle by years at that time, and the first one younger than President Thomas S. Monson who had been ordained over twenty years before. Since the senior living Apostle becomes President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this has led to speculation that Elder Oaks may one day lead the Church, but if it happens, it would be far in the future. In 2002 he was sent to personally preside over the Church in the Philippines, normally the task of a member of the Quorums of the Seventy, a lower-ranking quorum of Church General Authority. At the same time Jeffrey R. Holland, who had followed Elder Oaks as president of Brigham Young University and later become an Apostle, was assigned to preside over the Church in Chile.

Related Topics:
Thomas S. Monson - President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - 2002 - Philippines - Quorums of the Seventy - General Authority - Jeffrey R. Holland - Chile

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Elder Oaks is known for delivering doctrinal talks at conference that covers facets of the church's basic doctrines. His delivery is simple and concise, and his messages are often referred to for clarification on doctrinal matters by the members.

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