The présidents were principal magistrates of the highest juridical institutions, the parlements, which were the appeal courts.
They were spread over chambers, comprising those who were counsellor to the parliament, who assessed and dispensed justice, and présidents who chaired sessions.
The position was venal, being freely bought, sold and inherited, subject to payments to the King.
After 20 years, the position brought entry to the noblesse, but in fact, the purchase of the office ensured that it was held only by nobles.
Typically, the presidents served under a premier président, who was a royal appointee, not a purchaser of the office.