Member

So far as constitutional theory is concerned, that might be right, but the same Act that denuded the position of Lord Chancellor of significant parts of its historic and political authority adversely affected the practical and day-to-day implementation of the principle of the rule of law. Historically, the Lord Chancellor wore three hats. He was head of the judiciary and presided over the Appellate Committee of this House, which was the Supreme Court until it crossed Parliament Square. He was a member of the Cabinet and headed a department dealing with courts, legal aid and constitutional affairs, and he was also a Member of this House and sat—perhaps somewhat anachronistically —as the Speaker.