Born in London in 1759, Cooper attended Oxford College, but did not finish his degree. He went on to become a successful barrister, scientist, and philosopher. His radical views were not popular in Europe and he moved to Pennsylvania in 1794. His views, particularly on the Sedition Act, were not warmly received in America. In 1800, he was brought to trail, was found guilty under the Sedition Act, and served six months in prison. After being removed from the bench for his radical positions, Cooper followed an academic path. He went on to teach at Dickinson College, the University of Pennsylvania, and South Carolina College while remaining active in political circles. He died on May 11, 1839 in South Carolina.
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