Justices, LORDS

Since the Norman conquest English sovereigns have been accustomed on leaving the kingdom to appoint one or more persons to exercise supreme power in their absences. For a time the justiciar exercised this appointing power. But after the deaths of William and Mary the ereigns frequently delegated their authority. Twice during the reign reign of Victoria has the subject been considered, and through Parliamentary debates, especially in 1845, it has practically been settled that though the great seal cannot be used out of the realm, the sovereign still by sign-manual can command with authority, and lords-justices have ceased to be.