Legal Definitions - clerk of records and writs

A clerk of records and writs is an officer who was responsible for filing documents and sealing bills of complaint and writs of execution in the English Court of Chancery. This office was abolished in 1879, and its duties were moved to the Central Office.

Before the abolition of the office, the clerk of records and writs was responsible for keeping track of all the legal documents filed in the Court of Chancery. They would also seal bills of complaint and writs of execution, which were important legal documents used in court proceedings.

For example, if someone wanted to sue another person, they would file a bill of complaint with the Court of Chancery. The clerk of records and writs would then seal the document and keep it on file. If the court ruled in favor of the plaintiff, the clerk of records and writs would issue a writ of execution, which would allow the plaintiff to collect damages from the defendant.

Overall, the clerk of records and writs played an important role in the English legal system, ensuring that all legal documents were properly filed and recorded.