Robert Campbell Scarlett, 2nd Baron Abinger (5 September 1794 – 24 June 1861), was a British barrister-at-law and politician.

Background and early life

Born in London, he was the oldest son of James Scarlett, 1st Baron Abinger, and his first wife, third daughter of Peter Campbell. In 1844, he succeeded his father as baron. Scarlett was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1815, and a Master of Arts three years later, when he was called to the bar by the Inner Temple. In 1837, Lord Abinger was the presiding exchequer judge in the case of Priestley v Fowler which introduced the now abandoned legal rule of common employment.

Political career

In 1835, he entered the British House of Commons, representing Norwich until 1838. He sat again for Horsham from 1841 until 1844, when his father died. Scarlett was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Inverness-shire in 1854.

Family

He married Sarah Smith, second daughter of George Smith, Chief Justice of Mauritius, in 1824, and they had at least one son, William, who succeeded his father as third Baron.