Wikipedia:Today's featured article/November 5, 2004

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The Lord Chancellor's ceremonial robes
The Lord Chancellor's ceremonial robes

The Lord Chancellor is one of the most senior and important functionaries in the government of the United Kingdom. He is a Great Officer of State, and is appointed by the Sovereign on the advice of the Prime Minister and is, by convention, always a peer, although there is no legal impediment to the appointment of a commoner. The Lord Chancellor's responsibilities are wide-ranging; they include presiding over the House of Lords, participating in the Cabinet, acting as the custodian of the Great Seal and heading the judiciary. Concerns over these wide-ranging powers have led to a proposal to abolish the office from Tony Blair's ministry. A Bill to achieve the desired effect has been proposed, but has not been passed into law. Lord Falconer of Thoroton is the current Lord Chancellor. (more...)

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