Legal Definitions - master in chancery

A master in chancery is an officer appointed by a court of equity to assist the court. In English law, it refers to a senior official or clerk of a court of chancery who assists the Chancellor in various duties such as:

• Inquiring into matters referred by the court
• Examining cases
• Taking oaths and affidavits
• Hearing testimony
• Computing damages

There were many Masters in Chancery at the same time. The office was abolished in 1897 and was replaced by the office of Master of the Supreme Court. The Master of the Supreme Court is an official of the Queen's Bench and Chancery Divisions of the Supreme Court who fills several positions, including:

• Master in the common-law courts
• Queen's Coroner and Attorney
• Master of the Crown Office
• Record and writ clerks
• Associates

For example, a master in chancery may be appointed to assist a court in a complex case involving multiple parties and legal issues. The master may be responsible for gathering evidence, hearing testimony, and making recommendations to the court. The Master of the Supreme Court may perform similar duties in modern-day courts.