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The constitutional government of Jersey

Jersey is constitutionally a dependency of the British Crown.

It is part of the British Isles but not part of the United Kingdom. It governs its own internal affairs and raises its own taxes, but the UK is responsible for the island's defence, overseas representation and international affairs.

Jersey has its own legislative assembly - The States of Jersey - a system of local government through the parishes, and a completely distinct fiscal and legal system and courts of law. Jersey is not represented in the UK Parliament, so acts of Parliament only apply to the island if it is expressly agreed that they should do so.

Jersey has no political parties, no Cabinet and no Prime Minister. The government is conducted by the Assembly of the States through committees of the States that have delegated administrative and executive responsibilities. However, these structures have been the subject of a far reaching review of the machinery of government, the Clothier Report, the recommendations of which are now subject themselves to scrutiny by the States and the public. Follow this subject in our News section

The States currently is made up of the Bailiff, the Lieutenant Governor (who is not allowed to vote), 12 senators, 12 parish constables, 29 deputies, the Dean of Jersey (who also does not have a vote), and as advisers, the Attorney General and the Solicitor General.

The Crown appoints the Bailiff. He is the President of the Assembly and acts as its Speaker. He is also president of the Royal Court. The Bailiff has no political power but has the right to speak in the Assembly for the purpose of ensuring orderly debate. He also has a casting vote, which, by tradition, is used to maintain the status quo and allows the Assembly to reconsider the matter at a later date. The Deputy Bailiff, also appointed by the Crown, acts in the Bailiff's absence.

The Lieutenant Governor is the representative of the Crown in the island and is the commander of the armed forces. He often attends the States but takes no part in debates. However, he can veto States' decisions on matters concerning the special interests of the Crown.

The Attorney General and the Solicitor General are the Law Officers of the Crown and are appointed by the Crown. They have the right to speak but cannot vote. Points of law raised in debate are often referred to them for explanation and clarification.

The Dean is the head of the Anglican Church in Jersey and the chaplain of the Assembly. He has the right to speak on all matters of States' business but cannot vote. By convention, the Dean speaks only on matters that directly affect the Church or moral issues.

This article updated: 2004/07/01 10:08:19

article © Guiton Group. website © 2004 Guiton Group

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