Legal Definitions - soit baile aux seigneurs

Soit baile aux seigneurs is a historical phrase from Law French, meaning "Let it be delivered to the lords."

In the context of the British parliamentary system, this phrase serves as a formal endorsement written on a legislative bill. It signifies that the bill has successfully passed through the House of Commons and is now being officially transmitted to the House of Lords for their review, debate, and potential approval.

Here are some examples of when this term would apply:

• Example 1: Standard Legislative Progression

  After weeks of debate and amendments, the "Environmental Protection Act" successfully passes its third reading in the House of Commons. Once approved by the Commons, the parliamentary clerks formally endorse the bill with "soit baile aux seigneurs" before it is physically transferred to the House of Lords. This endorsement acts as an official stamp, confirming its passage from the lower house to the upper house for the next stage of the legislative process.

• Example 2: A Government Budget Bill

  The annual "Finance Bill," which outlines the government's taxation and spending plans, originates in the House of Commons. Once it has completed all its stages and received final approval from the Members of Parliament in the Commons, it is then marked with "soit baile aux seigneurs." This indicates its formal transmission to the House of Lords, even though the Lords have limited powers to amend or reject such money bills, they still must formally receive and consider it.

• Example 3: A Private Member's Bill

  An individual Member of Parliament introduces a "Dog Welfare Bill," which, against the odds, gains significant cross-party support and successfully navigates all its readings and committee stages in the House of Commons. Upon its final passage in the Commons, the bill would be endorsed with "soit baile aux seigneurs" to formally dispatch it to the House of Lords, where it will undergo a similar scrutiny process before potentially receiving Royal Assent.