In its capacity as Court of the Chief Rabbi, it is historically the supreme halakhic Authority for Ashkenazim in several Commonwealth countries and additionally is consulted by Batei Din throughout Europe.
[3][better source needed] It has been headed by a number of illustrious Rabbis including Tevele Schiff and Yehezkel Abramsky.
[5][better source needed] The Beth Din's work includes genealogical research, divorce and the arbitration of civil disputes.
[16] However, the Beth Din insist that their approach is necessary in keeping with the Halachic requirement for a prospective convert to commit to a full observance of the commandments.
[17] The highly centralised Orthodox community in London means that not going through them for a conversion could harm a family, such as not being permitted to attend a Jewish school.