It functions primarily as a text publication society, but also undertakes other activities to promote scholarship within its sphere of interest.

The society takes its name from the eminent English jurist and legal and constitutional scholar, John Selden (1584–1654).

The current literary director is Neil Jones, who succeeded Sir John Baker in this role in 2011.

The secretary is Michael Lobban, Professor of Legal History at the London School of Economics.

Membership of the society is open to anyone upon payment of a fee, and is primarily composed of educational institutions and interested individuals (mostly legal historians and lawyers).