Master of the Rolls

Cromwell,Thomas(1EEssex)01

Thomas Egerton, 1st Viscount Brackley from NPG

Sir John Trevor - detail

LordLindley cropp

Lord Bingham

Cardinal John Morton

Master of the Rolls is a senior position in the judiciary of England and Wales. The Master of the Rolls is the second-highest judge in England and Wales, after the Lord Chief Justice, and serves as the presiding officer of the Civil Division of the Court of Appeal of England and Wales. The role has a rich history, dating back to the 13th century, and has evolved significantly over time. The Master of the Rolls is responsible for the management and administration of the Civil Division of the Court of Appeal, overseeing the hearing of appeals from the lower courts.

History

The position of Master of the Rolls dates back to the reign of King Henry III of England, where it was established in the 13th century. Originally, the Master of the Rolls was responsible for maintaining the rolls or records of the Chancery, the medieval office that developed into a court of equity. Over time, the role expanded and became more judicial in nature, with the Master of the Rolls taking on responsibilities similar to those of other senior judges.

Appointment

The Master of the Rolls is appointed by the Monarch on the recommendation of the Prime Minister and the Lord Chancellor, following the advice of an independent selection panel. The appointment is made under the Judicial Appointments Commission, which was established to ensure that judicial appointments are made on merit, through fair and open competition.

Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of the Master of the Rolls is to preside over the Civil Division of the Court of Appeal. This involves hearing appeals on civil matters, including disputes related to contracts, torts, family law, and property. The Master of the Rolls also has administrative duties, such as managing the court's business, allocating cases to judges, and overseeing the implementation of rules and procedures to ensure the efficient operation of the court.

Notable Masters of the Rolls

Over the centuries, many distinguished jurists have held the position of Master of the Rolls. Some of the most notable include:

- Thomas Cromwell, who served under King Henry VIII and was instrumental in the English Reformation. - Sir William Grant, known for his contributions to commercial law and equity in the early 19th century. - Lord Denning, who served from 1962 to 1982 and was renowned for his influential judgments and contributions to the development of the law.

Current Master of the Rolls

As of the last update, the current Master of the Rolls is [Name], who was appointed in [Year]. [Name] has a distinguished legal career and has contributed significantly to the jurisprudence of England and Wales.

See Also

- Court of Appeal of England and Wales - Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales - Chancery (court) - Judicial Appointments Commission

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