The Lord Chancellor enjoys the status of a Cabinet Minister and is currently a member of the House of Commons. Recent changes in the creation of the Ministry of Justice and the process of election of the Lords Speaker for the House of Lords have changed the role of the Lord Chancellor.
Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice was created on the 9th of May, 2007. The main function of the Ministry of Justice is to look after the courts, prisons, probation and constitutional affairs. Presently, the Secretary of State for Justice and the Lord Chancellor is the Rt. Hon Jack Straw, MP.
Election of the First Lord Speaker
The first lord Speaker of the House of Lords was elected by its members on 4th July, 2006. The Lord Speaker assumed some of the functions that were previously taken care of by the Lord Chancellor and they include conducting debates in the Lords’ chamber and also speaking for the House on special occasions.
Judicial Appointments’ Commission
On 3rd April, 2006, a new Judicial Appointments’ Commission was incorporated. With the incorporation of the present post, the Lord Chancellor ceases to be the head of the judiciary and his power to appoint judges is also abolished.
The functions of the Lord Chancellor
The separation in the Lord Chancellor’s role have developed a clear demarcation between the government, Parliament and the judiciary.
