First recorded in 1293, the Commissary was a judicial officer appointed by the Chancellor to act as his deputy. In the early modern period he presided over a court, sitting at least weekly, with jurisdiction over members of the University below the degree of M.A. and also conducting much of the business which might otherwise have swamped the Vice-Chancellor's court. By Statute B.VI as amended by Grace 6 of 20 June 1936 the Commissary was required to certify that charges laid before the Septemviri were fit or not fit to be entertained. Appointment is by the Chancellor, by Letters Patent.