Jersey's unique constitution, granted to the island by King John in 1204, has
its roots planted in Norman history. As a result of loyalty to the English Crown
the island has been granted certain rights and privileges. This has resulted
in the island becoming self-governing. Jersey's parliament is called the States;
it is one of the world's oldest legislatures. The island has never sent a representative
to the British Parliament at Westminster. Acts of Parliament only apply to Jersey
if it is specifically agreed that they should.
The current States Assembly comprises of 53 elected members made up of 12 Senators,
who are elected on an island wide mandate; 12 Parish Constables and 29 Deputies
who represent districts within the parishes. Non-elected members are the Bailiff,
the Lieutenant Governor, the Dean of Jersey, the Attorney General and the Solicitor
General.
The Bailiff is appointed by the Crown; his role determines procedure, and he
acts as speaker in the States. He is also the president of the Royal Court.
The Bailiff is allowed to speak , but has no voting powers other than a casting
vote. The Lieutenant Governor is the representative of Her Majesty the Queen
in Jersey and commander of the armed forces. As a member, he has the right to
attend States sittings and speak. But traditionally he only addresses the States
when he is officially welcomed to the island, and, when he leaves at the end
of his term of office after five years.
The Attorney General and Solicitor General are the Law Officers; they are the
legal advisers to the States. They havethe right to speak on all matters of
States business but have no vote. The Dean is head of the Anglican Church in
the island; he has the right to speak on States matters but has no vote. Senators
were first created in 1948; they effectively replaced the Jurats. They are elected
on an island wide mandate. Six senators are elected every three years in October.
Connétables or Constables are the elected heads of the 12 parishes. They are
not elected to the States but are full members by virtue of their office. Voters
in the parishes elect Connétables for a term of three years. Deputies are elected
by district. They are defined by parish boundaries or to administrative districts
within the parish.
The main functions of the States are:
• To pass Laws (which require the sanction of Her
Majesty in Council) and Regulations on all domestic matters;
• To approve annual estimates of public expenditure
(revenue and capital);
• To appoint a Council of Ministers charged with responsibility
for the different aspects of public business;
• To appoint a Public Accounts Committee and scrutiny
panels to hold the Executive to account;
• To determine policy on propositions presented by Ministers,
scrutiny panels and other bodies or individual members, and
executive matters such as compulsory purchases;
• To debate and decide issues of public importance;
• To consider petitions for the redress of grievances;
and
• To represent the people of Jersey.
