CROWN DEPENDENCIES Meaning and
Definition
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Crown dependencies are territories that are self-governing and possess their own legislative and judicial systems. However, these territories are not fully independent countries and instead are linked to the United Kingdom. The term "crown dependencies" specifically refers to three territories: the Isle of Man, Jersey, and Guernsey.
Each crown dependency operates under its own constitution, known as a "crown dependency law". The monarch of the United Kingdom, currently Queen Elizabeth II, is considered to be the Head of State of these territories, and her official representative, known as a Lieutenant Governor, carries out ceremonial duties. However, the British Crown's powers in the crown dependencies are exercised by various government officers, such as the Governor-General or Lieutenant Governor.
Crown dependencies are not part of the United Kingdom, and they do not have representation in the UK Parliament. Instead, they have their own local governments, called "administrations", which have the authority to pass laws on matters that are not reserved to the United Kingdom. These administrations also manage their own budgets and have control over their domestic affairs, including taxation and social policies.
Although they are not officially part of the European Union (EU), the crown dependencies have a unique relationship with it. They are not members of the EU, but they have a special customs arrangement that allows the free movement of goods within the EU. Additionally, they have entered into individual agreements with the EU on various matters, including cooperation in areas like financial services and agriculture.
Overall, crown dependencies are unique territories that have a high degree of autonomy while still having a constitutional relationship with the United Kingdom.
Etymology of CROWN DEPENDENCIES
The word "crown dependencies" is a term used to refer to the three territories of the British Isles – the Isle of Man, Jersey, and Guernsey – which are self-governing but ultimately under the sovereignty of the British Crown.
The term "crown" in "crown dependencies" refers to the fact that these territories are directly associated with the British monarchy, as they fall under the powers of the reigning monarch. "Crown" is derived from the Latin word "corona", meaning "crown" or "garland", which indicates the authority and power associated with the British Crown.
The word "dependencies" in this context signifies the political relationship between these territories and the United Kingdom. It comes from the Latin word "dependere", meaning "to hang down" or "to be dependent", indicating that these territories are dependent on the UK's sovereignty.
