Legal Definitions - Lord Clerk Register

The Lord Clerk Register was a historical officer in Scots law, active from 1288 to 1879. This individual was responsible for maintaining the rolls of court and all public records of Scotland. These functions are now carried out by the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland and the Keeper of the Records of Scotland.

Lord Clerk Register

The Lord Clerk Register was a historically significant official within the Scottish legal system. From 1288 until 1879, this individual held the vital responsibility of overseeing and safeguarding Scotland's official court records and national archives. Essentially, they acted as the chief custodian of the nation's legal and historical documents. After 1879, these extensive duties were divided and transferred to specialized officials, such as the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland and the Keeper of the Records of Scotland.

• Example 1: Preserving Court Judgments

  Imagine a high-profile legal dispute in 17th-century Scotland concerning a significant land inheritance. The Lord Clerk Register would have been responsible for ensuring that all official court documents related to this case—including the initial petitions, witness testimonies, judicial rulings, and the final judgment—were meticulously recorded, authenticated, and securely stored. This ensured that the legal precedent and the outcome of the case were permanently preserved as part of Scotland's judicial history.

• Example 2: Archiving Royal Decrees and Acts of Parliament

  During the 16th century, a Scottish monarch might issue a new royal decree or an Act of Parliament could be passed, establishing new laws or administrative procedures for the country. The Lord Clerk Register's office would be tasked with officially registering these crucial governmental acts, ensuring their accurate transcription, and then archiving them within the national records. This made them authoritative and accessible historical documents for future reference and governance.

• Example 3: Verifying Historical Property Deeds

  Consider a situation in the late 18th century where a Scottish family needed to definitively prove their ownership of a particular estate, perhaps due to a boundary dispute or an impending sale. They would rely on the records maintained under the authority of the Lord Clerk Register to access official land deeds, charters, or other property registers. The integrity and accessibility of these historical documents, overseen by the Lord Clerk Register, were crucial for establishing legal rights and resolving disputes.