Editing Jersey (section)

== Politics ==
{{main|Politics of Jersey}}
[[File:States Building in St Helier Jersey.jpg|thumb|The States building in St. Helier.]]
Jersey is a [[Crown Dependency]], and is not part of the United Kingdom, being officially part of the [[British Islands]]. As one of the Crown Dependencies, Jersey is autonomous and self-governing, with its own independent legal, administrative and fiscal systems.<ref>{{Cite book |last=House of Commons |first=Justice Committee |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmselect/cmjust/56/56i.pdf |title=Crown dependencies |date=23 March 2010 |publisher=HMSO |isbn=978-0-215-55334-8 |volume=8th Report of Session 2009–10 |location=London |access-date=1 September 2017 |archive-date=25 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725011834/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmselect/cmjust/56/56i.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref> Jersey's government has described Jersey as a "self-governing, democratic country with the power of [[self-determination]]".<ref>{{Cite report |url=http://www.statesassembly.gov.je/AssemblyReports/2016/R.72-2016.pdf?_ga=1.133221390.1629877159.1462893783 |title=Brexit Information Report |date=27 June 2016 |publisher=States Greffe |issue=R. 27 |location=Jersey |access-date=6 January 2021 |archive-date=5 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205180052/https://statesassembly.gov.je/AssemblyReports/2016/R.72-2016.pdf?_ga=1.133221390.1629877159.1462893783 |url-status=live }}</ref> Jersey and [[Jersey people|its people]] have historically been described as a nation.{{r|Minahan 2000 349|Quayle 1815 48|IDBoard}}

Because Jersey is a dependency of the [[British Crown]], [[King Charles III]] reigns in Jersey.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jersey Law Review |title=Lé Rouai, Nouot' Duc |url=https://www.jerseylaw.je/Publications/jerseylawreview/June99/le_rouai.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016232214/https://www.jerseylaw.je/Publications/jerseylawreview/June99/le_rouai.aspx |archive-date=16 October 2014 |access-date=12 October 2014}}</ref> "[[The Crown]]" is defined by the Law Officers of the Crown as the "Crown in right of Jersey".<ref>{{Citation |mode=cs1 |date=20 July 2010 |url-status=dead |url= http://www5.gov.je/SiteCollectionDocuments/Government%20and%20administration/R%20Attorney%20General%20Transcript%2020100702%20WM.pdf |title=Public Hearing – Review of the Roles of the Crown Officers |archive-date=12 August 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110812153038/http://www5.gov.je/SiteCollectionDocuments/Government%20and%20administration/R%20Attorney%20General%20Transcript%2020100702%20WM.pdf}}</ref> The King's representative and adviser in the island is the [[Lieutenant Governor of Jersey]] – Vice-Admiral [[Jerry Kyd]] since 8 October 2022. He is a point of contact between Jersey ministers and the UK Government and carries out some functions in relation to immigration control, [[deportation]], [[naturalisation]] and the issue of passports.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Office of the Lieutenant Governor |title=Lieutenant-Governor |url=http://www.jersey.com/governmenthouse/About/Pages/default.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812015723/http://www.jersey.com/governmenthouse/About/Pages/default.aspx |archive-date=12 August 2011 |access-date=22 August 2011}}</ref>

[[File:Jour d'la Libéthâtion Jèrri 9 d'Mai 2012 12.jpg|left|thumb|[[John McColl (British Army officer)|Sir John Chalmers McColl]] as Lieutenant Governor of Jersey]]
In 1973, the [[Royal Commission on the Constitution (United Kingdom)|Royal Commission on the Constitution]] set out the duties of the Crown as including: ultimate responsibility for the 'good government' of the Crown Dependencies; ratification of [[Law of Jersey#Sources of law|island legislation]] by Order-in-Council ([[royal assent]]); international representation, subject to consultation with the island authorities before concluding any agreement which would apply to them; ensuring the islands meet their international obligations; and defence.<ref>{{cite book |title=Royal Commission on the Constitution, 1969–1973 |date=1973 |volume= 1: Report |chapter= Part XI"; "Part XII |publisher=HMSO |location=London |isbn=978-0-10-154600-3 |chapter-url-access=registration |chapter-url= https://archive.org/details/royalcommissiono0000grea_j9m7/page/406/mode/2up}}</ref>

=== Legislature and government ===
Jersey's [[unicameral]] legislature is the [[States Assembly]]. It includes 49 [[Elections in Jersey|elected]] members: 12 ''[[Connétable (Jersey and Guernsey)|connétable]]s'' (often called "constables", heads of [[Parishes of Jersey|parishes]]) and 37 deputies (representing constituencies), all elected for four-year terms as from the [[2011 Jersey general election|October 2011 elections]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 August 2011 |title=States of Jersey (Miscellaneous Provisions) Law 2011 |url=https://www.jerseylaw.je/Law/display.aspx?url=lawsinforce\htm\LawFiles\2011%2fL-13-2011.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022085836/http://www.jerseylaw.je/Law/display.aspx?url=lawsinforce%5Chtm%5CLawFiles%5C2011%2FL-13-2011.htm |archive-date=22 October 2013 |access-date=12 September 2013 |website=Jersey Legal Information Board}}</ref> Jersey has one of the lowest voter turnouts internationally, with just 33% of the electorate voting in the [[2005 Jersey general election]], putting it well below the 77% European average for that year.<ref name="Shaxson">Shaxson, N. (2011). ''Treasure islands: Tax havens and the men who stole the world''. London: The Bodley Head.</ref>

From the [[2022 Jersey general election|2022 elections]], the role of senators was abolished and the eight senators were replaced with an increased number of deputies. The 37 deputies are now elected from nine super constituencies, rather than in individual parishes. Although efforts were made the remove the ''connétables'', they will continue their historic role as states members.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Politicians bat away last-ditch attempt to save Senators|url=https://www.bailiwickexpress.com/jsy/news/states-swat-away-last-ditch-attempt-save-senators/|access-date=22 April 2021|website=Bailiwick Express|date=21 April 2021 |language=en|archive-date=22 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422225402/https://www.bailiwickexpress.com/jsy/news/states-swat-away-last-ditch-attempt-save-senators/|url-status=live}}</ref>

There are also five non-voting members appointed by the Crown: the [[Bailiff (Channel Islands)|bailiff]], the [[Lieutenant Governor of Jersey]], the [[Dean of Jersey]], the attorney general and solicitor general.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 May 2006 |title=States of Jersey Law 2005, Article 1 |url=https://www.jerseylaw.je/Law/display.aspx?url=lawsinforce/htm/LawFiles/2005/l-08-2005.htm#_Toc88473877 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003103304/http://www.jerseylaw.je/Law/display.aspx?url=lawsinforce%2Fhtm%2FLawFiles%2F2005%2Fl-08-2005.htm |archive-date=3 October 2011 |access-date=12 September 2013 |website=Jersey Legal Information Board}}</ref> The Bailiff is President (presiding officer) of the States Assembly,<ref>{{Cite web|date=5 May 2006 |title=States of Jersey Law 2005, Article 3 |url=https://www.jerseylaw.je/Law/display.aspx?url=lawsinforce/htm/LawFiles/2005/l-08-2005.htm#_Toc88473878 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111003103304/http://www.jerseylaw.je/Law/display.aspx?url=lawsinforce%2Fhtm%2FLawFiles%2F2005%2Fl-08-2005.htm| archive-date=3 October 2011| access-date=12 September 2013 |website= Jersey Legal Information Board}}</ref> head of the [[Judiciary of Jersey (list)|judiciary]] and as civic head of the island carries out various ceremonial roles.<ref name="Gindill-2022">Gindill, J. (n.d.) [https://www.gov.je/SiteCollectionDocuments/Government%20and%20administration/R%20Gindill%201%20Submission%2020100318%20JG%20v1.pdf ''The Role of the Office of Bailiff: The Need for Reform''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403210025/https://www.gov.je/SiteCollectionDocuments/Government%20and%20administration/R%20Gindill%201%20Submission%2020100318%20JG%20v1.pdf |date=3 April 2022 }}. University of Durham.</ref>

The [[Cabinet of Jersey|Council of Ministers]], consisting of a [[Chief Minister of Jersey|chief minister]] and nine ministers, makes up the leading body of the [[government of Jersey]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Council of Ministers adopts 'Government of Jersey' identity |url=https://www.gov.je/News/2019/Pages/GovernmentIdentity.aspx |access-date=9 February 2019 |website=Government of Jersey |language=en |archive-date=10 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190210044544/https://www.gov.je/News/2019/Pages/GovernmentIdentity.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=5 May 2006 |title=States of Jersey Law 2005, Article 18 |url=https://www.jerseylaw.je/Law/display.aspx?url=lawsinforce/htm/LawFiles/2005/l-08-2005.htm#_Toc88473897 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003103304/http://www.jerseylaw.je/Law/display.aspx?url=lawsinforce%2Fhtm%2FLawFiles%2F2005%2Fl-08-2005.htm |archive-date=3 October 2011 |access-date=12 September 2013 |website =Jersey Legal Information Board}}</ref> Each minister may appoint up to two assistant ministers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 May 2006 |title=States of Jersey Law 2005, Article 24 |url=https://www.jerseylaw.je/Law/display.aspx?url=lawsinforce/htm/LawFiles/2005/l-08-2005.htm#_Toc88473903 |website=Jersey Legal Information Board |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111003103304/http://www.jerseylaw.je/Law/display.aspx?url=lawsinforce%2Fhtm%2FLawFiles%2F2005%2Fl-08-2005.htm |archive-date=3 October 2011 |access-date=12 September 2013}}</ref> A chief executive is head of the civil service.<ref>States of Jersey Official Report, 3 May 2011, 5.1. Statement by the Chief Minister regarding the appointment of a new Chief Executive to the Council of Ministers.</ref> Some governmental functions are carried out in the island's [[Parishes of Jersey|parishes]].<ref name="Legislation Committee-2001">Legislation Committee (2001) [https://statesassembly.gov.je/assemblyreports/2001/20964-36802.pdf R.2001/120 – ''THE WORKING PARTY ON PARISH ASSEMBLIES: REPORT'']. Presented to the States, 4 December 2001. States Greffe. Retrieved 18 March 2022.</ref>

=== Law ===
{{main|Law of Jersey}}

Jersey is a distinct [[jurisdiction (area)|jurisdiction]] for the purposes of [[conflict of laws]], separate from the other Channel Islands, England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Collins of Mapesbury |first1=Lord |title=[[Dicey Morris & Collins|''Dicey, Morris & Collins on the Conflict of Laws'']] |last2=More |last3=McLean |last4=Briggs |last5=Harris |last6=McLachlan |publisher=[[Sweet & Maxwell]] |year=2010 |isbn=978-1-84703-461-8 |edition=14th |location=London}}</ref>

Jersey law has been influenced by several different legal traditions, in particular [[Norman law|Norman customary law]], [[English common law#Common law|English common law]] and modern [[French civil law]].<ref name="ref1">See generally {{cite book|author=S. Nicolle|title=The Origin and Development of Jersey law: An Outline Guide|edition=5th|location=St Helier|publisher=Jersey and Guernsey Law Review|year=2009|isbn=978-0-9557611-3-3}} and {{Cite web |title=Study Guide on Jersey Legal System and Constitutional Law |url=http://www.lawinstitute.ac.je/default.asp?contentID=629 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228104105/http://www.lawinstitute.ac.je/default.asp?contentID=629 |archive-date=28 December 2013 |publisher=Institute of Law |location=Jersey}}</ref> Jersey's [[List of country legal systems|legal system]] is therefore described as 'mixed' or '[[Legal pluralism|pluralistic]]', and sources of law are in French and English languages, although since the 1950s the main [[working language]] of the legal system is English.<ref>Hanson, Timothy (2005). [https://www.jerseylaw.je/publications/jglr/PDF%20Documents/JLR0506_Hanson.pdf "The Language of the Law: The Importance of French"]. ''The Jersey Law Review''. {{Webarchive| date=6 January 2022 | url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220106230756/https://www.jerseylaw.je/publications/jglr/PDF%20Documents/JLR0506_Hanson.pdf }}</ref>

The principal court is the [[Royal Court of Jersey|Royal Court]], with appeals to the [[Jersey Court of Appeal]] and, ultimately, to the [[Judicial Committee of the Privy Council]].<ref name="RC2">{{cite web |title=The Royal Court |url=http://www.jerseycourts.je/about/royal-court/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120804031454/http://www.jerseycourts.je/about/royal-court/ |archive-date=4 August 2012 |access-date= |publisher=Jersey Courts }}</ref> The [[Bailiff (Channel Islands)|Bailiff]] is head of the judiciary; the Bailiff and the Deputy Bailiff are [[Law of Jersey#Judiciary|appointed]] by the Crown. Other members of the island's [[Judiciary of Jersey (list)|judiciary]] are [[Law of Jersey#Judiciary|appointed]] by the Bailiff.<ref name="Gindill-2022" />

=== External relations ===
{{main|External relations of Jersey}}
[[File:Jersey Airport signage in Jèrriais.jpg|thumb|[[Jersey Airport]] greets travellers with "Welcome to Jersey" sign in [[Jèrriais]].]]

The external relations of Jersey are overseen by the External Relations Minister of the Government of Jersey.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Meet our new foreign minister|url=http://www.thisisjersey.com/2011/01/14/meet-our-new-foreign-minister/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110117055756/http://www.thisisjersey.com/2011/01/14/meet-our-new-foreign-minister/ |archive-date=17 January 2011 |access-date=12 September 2013 |website= This Is Jersey }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=17 January 2011 |title=A new role of great importance |url=http://www.thisisjersey.com/2011/01/17/a-new-role-of-great-importance/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110122210938/http://www.thisisjersey.com/2011/01/17/a-new-role-of-great-importance/ |archive-date=22 January 2011 |access-date=12 September 2013 |website= This Is Jersey}}</ref> In 2007, the [[Chief Minister of Jersey|chief minister]] and the UK [[Lord Chancellor]] signed an agreement that established a framework for the development of the international identity of Jersey.{{r|framework}}

Although diplomatic representation is reserved to the Crown, Jersey has been developing its own international identity over recent years. It negotiates directly with foreign governments on various matters: for example, [[tax information exchange agreements]] (TIEAs) have been signed directly by the island with several countries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=TAX INFORMATION EXCHANGE AGREEMENTS (TIEAs) |url=https://www.gov.je/SiteCollectionDocuments/Tax%20and%20your%20money/ID%20TIEAsSignedToDate.pdf |access-date=6 November 2011 |website=[[Government of Jersey]] |archive-date=23 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323051756/http://www.gov.je/SiteCollectionDocuments/Tax%20and%20your%20money/ID%20TIEAsSignedToDate.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=26 June 2012 |title=Jersey threatens to break with UK over tax backlash |url=http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/jun/26/jersey-threatens-independence-tax-backlash |access-date=21 January 2021 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en |archive-date=4 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204171617/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/jun/26/jersey-threatens-independence-tax-backlash |url-status=live }}</ref> The government maintains offices (some in partnership with Guernsey) in [[Caen]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Office {{!}} Bureau des Îles Anglo-Normandes|url=https://www.bianfrance.org/the-office/?lang=en|access-date=21 January 2021|language=en-US|archive-date=3 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203053707/https://www.bianfrance.org/the-office/?lang=en|url-status=live}}</ref> London<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 March 2017 |title=Government of Jersey London Office {{!}} Representing Jersey in the UK |url=http://www.londonoffice.gov.je/ |access-date=21 January 2021 |website=Government of Jersey London Office |archive-date=4 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204112555/http://www.londonoffice.gov.je/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Brussels]].<ref>{{Cite web |website=Channel Islands Brussels Office (CIBO) |url=https://channelislands.eu/ |access-date=21 January 2021 |title=The Channel Islands - Séyiz les beinv'nu(e)(s)! Bian v'nue a tous! |language=en-US |archive-date=23 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123135138/https://www.channelislands.eu/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Jersey is a member of the [[British-Irish Council]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 December 2011 |title=Jersey |url=https://www.britishirishcouncil.org/member-administrations/jersey |access-date=17 March 2022 |website=British-Irish Council |language=en |archive-date=4 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404061006/https://www.britishirishcouncil.org/member-administrations/jersey |url-status=live }}</ref> the [[Commonwealth Parliamentary Association]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=States of Jersey |url=https://www.cpahq.org/directory/jersey/ |access-date=17 March 2022 |website=www.cpahq.org |language=en |archive-date=3 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403082348/https://www.cpahq.org/directory/jersey/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and the [[Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jersey |url=http://apf.francophonie.org/Jersey.html |access-date=17 March 2022 |website=Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF) |language=fr |archive-date=3 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403160247/http://apf.francophonie.org/Jersey.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[External relations of Jersey#Separation debate|Jersey independence]] has in the past been discussed in the States Assembly. Former external relations minister Sir [[Philip Bailhache]] has at various times warned that the island may need to become independent.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Targett |first=Tania |title=Independence 'may be only option if Brexit deal is bad' |url=https://jerseyeveningpost.com/news/2018/06/23/independence-may-be-only-option-if-brexit-deal-is-bad/ |access-date=21 January 2021 |website=jerseyeveningpost.com |date=23 June 2018 |language=en |archive-date=31 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131204240/https://jerseyeveningpost.com/news/2018/06/23/independence-may-be-only-option-if-brexit-deal-is-bad/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It is not Jersey government policy to seek independence, but the island is prepared if needs to do so.<ref name="Extnl pol2">{{Cite web |title=COMMON POLICY FOR EXTERNAL RELATIONS |url=http://www.gov.je/SiteCollectionDocuments/Government%20and%20administration/R%20Common%20policy%20for%20external%20relations%2020121122%20JS.pdf |access-date=8 December 2012 |publisher=States of Jersey |archive-date=23 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723004955/http://www.gov.je/SiteCollectionDocuments/Government%20and%20administration/R%20Common%20policy%20for%20external%20relations%2020121122%20JS.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Jersey Independence 'Not Government Policy' |url=https://www.channel103.com/news/jersey-news/jersey-independence-not-government-policy/ |access-date=21 January 2021 |work=Channel 103 News |language=en |archive-date=4 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204115629/https://www.channel103.com/news/jersey-news/jersey-independence-not-government-policy/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Council of Ministers |url=https://statesassembly.gov.je/assemblyreports/2008/46527-24954-2762008.pdf |title=Second Interim Report of the Constitution Review Group |website=States Greffe |date=27 June 2008 |access-date=16 March 2022 |archive-date=20 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120093301/https://statesassembly.gov.je/assemblyreports/2008/46527-24954-2762008.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

Jersey is a third-party European country to the EU. Since 1 January 2021, Jersey has been part of the [[Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the EU, Euratom and the UK|UK-EU Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement]] for the purposes of goods and fishing. Goods exported from the island into Europe are not subject to [[tariff]]s, and Jersey is solely responsible for management of its [[territorial waters]]; however, permits may be granted to EU fishermen who have a history of fishing in the Bailiwick's waters. The management of this permit system has caused tension between the French and Jersey authorities, with the French threatening to cut off Jersey's electricity supply in May 2021.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 May 2021 |title=France threatens to cut power to Jersey amid fishing row |language=en-GB |work=[[BBC News]] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56984886 |access-date=5 May 2021 |archive-date=5 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505125257/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56984886 |url-status=live }}</ref> Before the end of the transition period after the UK withdrew from the EU in 2020, Jersey had a special relationship with the EU.{{efn|[[Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union]], Article 355(5)(c) TFEU states "the Treaties shall apply to the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man only to the extent necessary to ensure the implementation of the arrangements for those islands set out in the Treaty concerning the accession of new Member States to the European Economic Community and to the European Atomic Energy Community signed on 22 January 1972".}} It was part of the [[European Union Customs Union|EU customs union]] and there was [[European Single Market|free movement of goods]] between Jersey and the EU, but the single market in financial services and [[free movement of people]] did not apply to Jersey.<ref>{{Cite web |title=EUR-Lex – 61996J0171 – EN |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?isOldUri=true&uri=CELEX:61996CJ0171 |website=European Court reports 1998 Page I-04607 |access-date=16 May 2021 |archive-date=16 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516114508/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?isOldUri=true&uri=CELEX:61996CJ0171 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite report |title=States of Jersey Brexit Report |date=31 January 2017 |page=7 |url=https://statesassembly.gov.je/assemblypropositions/2017/p.7-2017.pdf |access-date=22 April 2021 |archive-date=21 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921120546/https://statesassembly.gov.je/AssemblyPropositions/2017/P.7-2017.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

Jersey also has close relations with Portugal, including the exchangement of tax information; these relations are specifically strong with the [[Autonomous Region of Madeira]], where St. Helier has one of its sister cities, [[Funchal]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jersey |first=States of |title=Government of Jersey |url=https://www.gov.je/News/2010/pages/portugaltiea072010.aspx |access-date=2024-06-09 |website=gov.je |language=en}}</ref>