Act Of Settlement

Act of Settlement, 12 & 13 Wm. 3, c. 2 (1700), limiting the Crown, after the death of William III. And Princess (afterwards Queen) Anne, to the Princess Sophia of Hanover, and to the heirs of her body being Protestants. The Act further provided (inter alia) that (i.) the sovereign shall join in the communion with the Church of England as by law established. (ii.) No pardon under the Great Seal of England be pleadable to an impeachment. Ministers were thus prevented from escaping responsibility because the King had pardoned them. (iii.) Judges should hold office quamdiu se bene gesserint (during good behaviour), i.e., not at the King's pleasure, and should be removable

upon the address of both Houses of Parliament. Substantially re-enacted by s. 5 of the (English) Judicature Act, 1875 (now repealed), which specifically excepted the Lord Chancellor.