Master of Roster

Master of Roster grew out of the office of Master of Rolls, an office that dates from 12th Century England. There are, however, significant differences between the two positions and these are discussed below. In England of the Middle Ages, it was the practice for the Chancery to keep copies, on parchment rolls, of the most important state letters and so this office was essentially that of a record keeper. Incidentally, those who keep up with history, would be aware that Thomas Cromwell, was the Master of Rolls to Henry VII.

The Master of Rolls, evolved from that of a secretary and archivist to a judge. And as he took on more judicial duties to help the Chancellor, he was less of an archivist, and more of a judge. Over time, the Master of Rolls came to be independent and grew into a position of a judge of the Court of Appeal. And in the 1980s, he became the head of the Civil Court of Appeal, whereas the Lord Chief Justice headed the Criminal Division.

When it comes to the CJI, there are significant differences. Unlike in England, where the Lord Chief Justice heads the criminal side and the Master of Rolls presides over the civil side, the CJI combines both these two offices in his person. And he is definitely not a “choirmaster”. He handpicks the benches to hear particular cases. He enjoys primacy and the concept of primus inter pares could not be more differently interpreted than that by Donaldson.