Your description of Lord Irvine as 'Britain's top judge' (South China Morning Post, September 18), does not do justice to what a modern-day Lord Chancellor does.
Although he is the head of the UK judiciary and is responsible for making recommendations for senior judicial appointments, the Lord Chancellor in modern times rarely if ever sits as a judge to hear appeals.
What is more, he exercises executive and legislative functions.
He is always a cabinet member and is the nearest thing to a minister of justice, heading an executive department that oversees such matters as the administration of the courts, law reform and legal aid.
The Lord Chancellor is the Speaker of the House of Lords, but may participate in debates and divisions.
K. Y. TSUI Kowloon
