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History of the States Assembly

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The history of the States Assembly can be traced back many centuries with the first available records dating from 1524.  Although its precise origins cannot be determined, its development has been influenced by several significant events.

 

.The States Assembly met and held debates long before the States Chamber was used for the first time in 1887. Queen Victoria had been on the throne for 50 years when the Assembly sat for the first time in its new Chamber.

Jersey, alongside the other Channel Islands, became part of the Duchy of Normandy in 933.  Following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Jersey's links with the English (later British) Crown began.  In 1204, King John of England lost mainland Normandy to France, but Jersey remained loyal to the English Crown.  In recognition of this loyalty, the Crown confirmed and granted the Island certain privileges and freedoms. 

The people of Jersey were permitted to elect 12 Jurats from the Island to form the Royal Court as both a law-enforcing (judicial) and law-making (legislative) body; with the Bailiff appointed by the King to head the Royal Court. The King also appointed a Warden (later known as the Governor and, today, the Lieutenant Governor) to oversee the defence of the Island.  

Over time, the Royal Court (of Bailiff and Jurats) came to consult the Connétables and Rectors from the 12 Parishes when making Laws. Together, the Jurats, Rectors and Connétables formed a legislative assembly known as ‘Les Etas de Jersey’: the States of Jersey.  Its full title was 'L'Assemblée des Etats de Jersey'; in English, the Assembly of the States of Jersey or, today, the States Assembly.  As the Bailiff presided over the Royal Court, the Bailiff was also presiding officer of the Assembly.

Both the Royal Court and States Assembly continued to exercise legislative power until 1771, when an Order in Council from the Crown declared that the Royal Court's legislative powers be removed.  It was confirmed that the States Assembly should be the only law-making body for the Island. This Order in Council was made in response to the Corn Riots of 1769, in which some 500 Islanders had stormed the Royal Court with political demands after a rise in the price of wheat had led to food shortages across the Island.   

The States Assembly continued to comprise 12 Jurats, 12 Rectors and 12 Connétables until 1856, when they were joined by 14 Deputies. The number of Deputies was increased to 17 in 1907. 

Significant constitutional change came in 1948: 

  1. The 12 Jurats were replaced by 12 Senators, elected on an Island-wide mandate, and the 12 Rectors were replaced by increasing the number of Deputies to 28 (with a further increase to 29 in the 1970s) 
  2. Jurats remained as Members of the Royal Court but no longer had any legislative functions 
  3. The Anglican Church continued to be represented by the Dean of Jersey, although this position no longer carried a vote

Until the 19th Century, the States Assembly shared facilities with the Royal Court. The States Chamber opened on 21 June 1887, the 50th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s accession to the throne.  

In 2022, Senators (by which time there were 8) ceased to be Members of the States Assembly and they were replaced with an increase in the number of Deputies to 37, with the system of Deputies’ constituencies also reformed. 

The States Assembly during Jersey's Occupation

Jersey was occupied by German forces during the Second World War. The Occupation had a huge impact on the daily lives of Islanders, with many aspects of 'normal' life' restricted or affected in some way by the new rules and regulations that were imposed. 

Large crowds gathered in the Royal Square in St. Helier to celebrate when Jersey was liberated on 9 May 1945. Liberation Day is now a public holiday in Jersey. Each year on 9 May, Islanders reflect on this important anniversary in the Island's history and come together to celebrate their enduring freedom.  A special meeting of the Assembly is also held.

Find out more in this fascinating episode of the States Assembly podcast, including:

  • How the Occupation affected the States Assembly
  • What States Members do to observe Liberation Day today
  • How Jersey might commemorate Liberation Day in the future