848. Preliminary examination.

The petition to the Crown1 for a claim to a peerage is in the first instance lodged with the Crown Office2. If the petition is found to be genuine, the Lord Chancellor takes the pleasure of the Crown upon it. The Crown usually orders the petition to be referred to the Attorney General for examination and report. The Attorney General then requires the petitioner to make out a prima facie case by the lodgment of a pedigree and proofs properly prepared, and, if dissatisfied with the measure of proof, requires further evidence. The petitioner is then instructed to appear