|
The Sovereign
is represented in the island by the Lieutenant Governor, but the island
has its own legislative and taxation systems, which are a blend of Norman
and English.
The
States of Jersey
Jersey's
government is the States of Jersey, which is one of the oldest legislative
bodies in the world. Although
the Lieutenant Governor attends the States, he takes no part in the debates.
Instead it
is presided over by the Bailiff, who is appointed by the Crown. He is
President of the Assembly and acts as its Speaker.
He is also
President of the Royal Court. He has no political power, but he does have
the right of speech. There is also a Deputy Bailiff, who acts in the Bailiff's
absence.
As well as
this, there is an Attorney General and a Solicitor General, who are law
officers appointed by the Crown. They have the right to speak but not
to vote, and often explain or clarify points of law raised during debates.
Elected
independent members
The rest
of the States is composed of 53 elected independent members. This breaks
down into 12 constables, 12 senators and 29 deputies.
Each constable
is civic head of one of the island's 12 parishes, as well as being head
of the Honorary Police of that parish. The Honorary Police force contains
Centeniers, Vingteniers and Constable's Officers, and they are there to
assist the ordinary police.
Other officials
unique to Jersey include the Viscount (who deals with bankruptcy and inquests),
the Greffiers, who are clerks of the courts, and the States Assembly.
|
