... at the Lord Chancellor's history, the extent to the changes that occurred through the amalgamation of new powers, otherwise known as his 'hybrid role', can be distinguished. Originally, the Lord Chancellor was an officer responsible for keeping the Great Seal of England, the role was usually filled by a clergyman. One of the past roles of Lord Chancellor was 'Keeper of the Queen's Conscience', another was the chief judge of the court of Chancery in London, dispensing equity to soften the harshness of the law. Until the middle of the 17th century, the Lord Chancellor was one of the most important officials in the English government; even today he still outranks the Prime Minister in official precedence. Since the beginning of the Cabinet, the Lord Chancellor has always had a seat in government. Today his role is three fold; legislative, executive and judiciary: His legislative duties start with being chairman of ...

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