The principal jurisdiction of the Consistory Court is to consider applications for faculties to works affecting consecrated land or buildings; its former matrimonial jurisdiction was transferred to the High Court of Justice in 1884,[2] and its jurisdiction in clergy discipline to disciplinary tribunals in 2006.
[5] The Vicar General's Court formerly dealt with affiliation (bastardy) cases, but the jurisdiction was transferred to the High Bailiff in 1921[6] and the court no longer sits.
[7] Formerly, the Vicar General retired on a vacancy in the See (i.e. on the retirement, death or translation of the bishop); a temporary appointment during the vacancy was made by the Lieutenant Governor, and a fresh appointment was made by the new bishop when he took office.
[9] The Vicar General is also Chancellor of the diocese, the titles being interchangeable,[10] and the bishop's Official Principal.
[11] Until 1919, the Vicar General was a member of the Legislative Council and as such had a seat and vote in Tynwald.