The Consul is a high-ranking member of the Clave. He acts as an advisor to the Council, the group of Shadowhunters that dictate laws. He oversees trials held by the Council. He can also appoint a Shadowhunter as head of an Institute and also decides the next Inquisitor when the previous one dies.  Every Consul is chosen through an election by the Council.  The term lasts for ten years and the previous Consul often gets a say in who their successor is, recommending or disagreeing with an appointment.