George Jeffreys was a 17th-century English judge known for his harsh and biased rulings during the reign of King James II. He was notorious for his role in the trials of those accused of treason and sedition, often using brutal methods to extract confessions. Jeffreys' reputation for cruelty and unfairness earned him the nickname "The Hanging Judge." His actions contributed to the growing opposition to the monarchy and ultimately led to his downfall after the Glorious Revolution of 1688.