The House of Lords
The House of Lords is one of the three constituent parts of the Parliament of Æfira, alongside the Sovereign and the House of Commons. Its primary functions are to scrutinize, debate and vote on proposed legislation; the assent of the House of Lords is required before any bill can become law. In impeachment cases – in which criminal proceedings are brought by the House of Commons rather than by the Crown – the House also acts as a court of law.
The membership of the House consists of the peers of the Realm (the hereditary nobility); they are not elected and represent only themselves. The Lord High Chancellor and princes of the royal family, whether peers or not, are also entitled to seats. Members of the House of Lords are known as Lords of Parliament.