Dabney Carr (April 27, 1773 - January 8, 1837) was born in Albemarle County, Virginia (some sources say he was born in Richmond, Virginia) just three weeks prior to the death of his father, also named Dabney Carr, brother-in-law and close friend of Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson took an active role in the support and education of his nephew after his father's death. He attended Hampden-Sydney College and returned home to study law with William Wirt, who was just one year older. The two men remained friends for the rest of their lives. An extensive collection of their letters can be found in the Manuscripts Department, Library of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill He started practice in Albemarle County and, in 1811, became Chancellor of the Winchester District. In 1824, he was elected a judge of the Court of Appeals and held this office until his death.

His nephew, Dabney Smith Carr, was a newspaper publisher and later was U.S. Minister to Turkey (1843-49).