II.   Sovereign

A Peer is one, who by birth or commission, is recognized as possessing the rights and obligations to protect and uphold the Rule of Law.

The term “peer” is derived from the Old French pares, itself from the Latin par meaning “equal”. Hence, a peer is one who is deemed “equal” before the law, thus implying that in certain systems of law claiming Rule of Law, not all are considered “equal” despite such claims.

Under Western - Roman Law, Peers are formed by two (2) methods, Birthright or Commission:

(i) A Peer by Birthright is more properly called a Peer of the Realm (pares regni) and are considered the nobility, the lords of parliament and the law and under English tradition divided into Dukes, Marquises, Earls, Viscounts and Barons; and

(ii) A Peer by Commission or Warrant is one who is raised to the level of a Peer of the Realm either through the prerogative of the Sovereign, or in the execution of the law such as the impaneling of a valid Jury, so described as “peers” through Westm. I. c. 6 for the administering and ensuring of justice.