Dallin H. Oaks
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Dallin Harris Oaks (born August 12, 1932) was born in Provo, Utah. He is a former professor of law at the University of Chicago's school of law, former president of Brigham Young University, and former justice of Utah's Supreme Court. In 1984 he was ordained an Apostle and member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He was the youngest Apostle by years at that time, and the first one younger than President Thomas S. Monson who had been ordained over twenty years before. Since the senior living Apostle becomes President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this has led to speculation that Elder Oaks may one day lead the Church, but at present this would be far in the future. In 2002 he was sent to personally preside over the Church in the Philippines, normally the task of a member of the Quorums of the Seventy, a lower-ranking quorum of Church General Authority. At the same time Jeffrey R. Holland, who had followed Elder Oaks as president of Brigham Young University and later become the youngest Apostle, was assigned to preside over the Church in Chile.
At 72, Elder Oaks would be retired from most forms of organized activity, but the LDS Church being organized the way it is, if he survives, his time of greatest prominence lies years in the future.
Elder Oaks is known for delivering doctrinal talks at conference that covers facets of the church's basic doctrines. His delivery is simple and concise, and his messages are often referred to for clarification on doctrinal matters by the members.