The Law of Jersey refers to the legal system and body of legislation applicable in the Bailiwick of Jersey, a self-governing Crown dependency in the English Channel. The Law of Jersey is influenced by a combination of English common law, Norman customary law, and specific statutes.
One fundamental aspect of the Law of Jersey is the dual legal nature: customary law and statutory law. Customary law refers to the unwritten laws or practices that have been established through traditional practices. This is incorporated in the legal system of Jersey, alongside statutory law derived from legislation enacted by the States of Jersey, the local parliament.
The Law of Jersey covers diverse areas such as civil law, criminal law, property law, family law, and administrative law. It encompasses a wide range of legislation, including the customary laws that have been codified into statutes over time to ensure consistency and clarity in legal matters.
The legal framework in Jersey comprises various sources of law, such as Acts, Orders, Regulations, and customary law as developed through judgments made by the Royal Court. The Royal Court acts as both the highest appellate court and the principal trial court in Jersey.
To ensure legal certainty and clarity, the Jersey Legal Information Board is responsible for making accessible and maintaining an up-to-date collection of primary and secondary legislation, along with legal publications and other legal resources.
The Law of Jersey is distinct from the laws of other jurisdictions and is defined by its own legislative and judicial systems, which govern the rights, obligations, and duties of individuals and entities operating within the jurisdiction.
