John Spelman (judge)

John Spelman (c. 1495 – 1546) was an English judge and Member of Parliament. He is most notable for his legal writings and his service as a Justice of the Court of King's Bench during the reign of Henry VIII.

Spelman was born in Norfolk, the son of Henry Spelman. He studied law at Gray's Inn, becoming a reader there. He entered Parliament as a member for Castle Rising in 1529. He was appointed a Serjeant-at-Law in 1531 and was appointed to the King's Bench in 1533.

As a judge, Spelman was known for his thorough knowledge of common law. He contributed to the Year Books, legal reports compiled from notes taken by law students and barristers present in court, providing valuable insights into the legal practice and reasoning of the time. His notes are considered important primary sources for understanding English common law in the Tudor period. His legal notes are held in the British Library and Lincoln's Inn Library.

He resided at Narborough, Norfolk, and died in 1546. He was buried in Narborough Church. He married Elizabeth Frowyk, daughter of Sir Henry Frowyk. They had several children, including Clement Spelman, also a lawyer. His descendants included the antiquarian Sir Henry Spelman.