Matthew Jowitt KC
HM Solicitor General
Non-elected Members
There are six non-elected office holders who are involved in the running of the States Assembly. They cannot lodge propositions or amendments, nor can they vote in any debate in the Assembly.
The Bailiff of Jersey is appointed by His Majesty The King as President of the States. He chairs States Meetings and ensures that Members act in accordance with the Standing Orders, the 'rules' of the States Assembly. The Deputy Bailiff acts in the Bailiff's absence.
The Law Officers: H.M. Attorney General and H.M. Solicitor General are legal advisors to the Assembly. They are available to explain and advise on the laws of Jersey to help Members have an informed debate.
In Law, the Viscount is the executive officer of the States Assembly. In extreme circumstances, they are responsible for ensuring the removal of anyone excluded from the States Chamber. Otherwise, the Viscount helps to count any ballots taken during States Meetings and carries the Mace before the Bailiff at the beginning of each Meeting. The Viscount can attend Meetings, but has neither the right to speak nor to vote. The Deputy Viscount acts to the Viscount's absence.
His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor is His Majesty The King's personal representative in Jersey. The Lieutenant-Governor traditionally only speaks twice in the Assembly; once on arrival and then at the end of their five-year term of office.
The Dean of Jersey is the leader of the Church of England in the island. The Dean leads the Assembly in prayer at the start of each States Meeting. During debates, the Dean can make speeches. States Members can ask the Dean parliamentary questions relating to the Church.