Legal Definitions - patent of precedence

A Patent of Precedence is a historical document that was granted by the British Crown to barristers who were deemed worthy of honor and recognition. This patent conferred upon them a higher rank and preaudience, which was assigned in the grant.

For example, in 1594, Queen Elizabeth I granted a Patent of Precedence to Sir Edward Coke, a prominent barrister and judge. This patent gave him the right to be called to the bar before all other barristers, except for the Attorney General and Solicitor General.

Another example is the Patent of Precedence granted to Sir William Blackstone in 1770. This patent gave him the right to be called to the bar before all other barristers, except for the Attorney General, Solicitor General, and the King's Counsel.

These examples illustrate how the Patent of Precedence was used to recognize and honor the achievements of barristers who had made significant contributions to the legal profession. It also shows how this patent conferred upon them a higher rank and preaudience, which was assigned in the grant.