The Records of the Parliaments of Scotland to 1707, K.M. Brown et al eds (St Andrews, 2007-2024), date accessed: 29 March 2024
[1584/5/9]1
2Concerning the authority of the three estates of parliament
The king's majesty, considering the honour and the authority of his supreme court of parliament continued past all memory of man to these days, as constituted upon the free votes of the three estates of this ancient kingdom, by whom the same under God ever has been upheld, rebellious and traitorous subjects punished, the good and faithful preserved and maintained and the laws and acts of parliament (by which all men are governed) made and established; and finding the power, dignity and authority of the said court of parliament of late years called in some doubt, at least some curiously working to have introduced some innovation thereupon, his majesty's firm will and mind always being as it is yet, that the honour, authority and dignity of the said three estates shall stand and continue in their own integrity, according to the ancient and lovable custom observed in time bygone, without any alteration or diminution; therefore it is statute and ordained by our said sovereign lord and his three estates assembled in this present parliament that none of his lieges and subjects presume or take upon hand to impugn the dignity and authority of the said three estates or to seek or procure the innovation or diminution of the power and authority of the same three estates or any of them in time coming, under the pain of treason.
- NAS, PA2/12, f.116v.
- Cross beside title.