It was not till half a year afterwards that he was made a Peer.

Then he became Baron Verulam (July, 1618), and in January, 1620/21, Viscount St.
Alban's.
From this time Bacon must be thought of, first and foremost, as a Judge in the great seat which he had so earnestly sought.

It was the place not merely of law, which often tied the judge's hands painfully, but of true justice, when law failed to give it.

Bacon's ideas of the duties of a judge were clear and strong, as he showed in various admirable speeches and charges: his duties as regards his own conduct and reputation; his duties in keeping his subordinates free from the taint of corruption.

He was not ignorant of the subtle and unacknowledged ways in which unlawful gains may be covered by custom, and an abuse goes on because men will not choose to look at it.