Archive of the States of Jersey

Archive Collection

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Bookmark:http://archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/data/gb1539-c

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Scope and Content

The States of Jersey collection includes the minutes, correspondence, reports and acts of the States of Jersey. The collection also covers the minutes of the different Committee's of the States including Agriculture, Education, Defence, Housing, Social Security, Finance, Harbours and Airports, Health and Social Services, Tourism, Home Affairs, Planning and Environment, Economic Development and Policy and Resources.

Administrative / Biographical History

Originally the Royal Court was a law enforcing and lawmaking body. Changes to the law were by an Order made by the Privy Council following a petition from the Royal Court. In time, the Royal Court consulted Conetables and Rectors from the 12 Parishes before petitioning the Privy Council. A legislative assembly formed made up of: Jurats, Connetables, Rectors (the three 'Etats' or estates) and the Bailiff. The Assembly became known as 'Les Etats de Jersey', paralleling the parliamentary assembly of Normandy, then known as 'Les Etats de Normandie'. The minutes of meetings of the States started in 1524, but they were mixed in with the records of the Royal Court. In 1603, the Governor, Sir Walter Raleigh recorded the minutes separately.The Royal Court continued to have legislative functions until 1771 when an Order in Council declared that only the States Assembly should have legislative power. The Assembly remained composed of the Jurats, Connetables and Rectors.In 1856 a Law was introduced for the election of 14 Deputies, 3 from St Helier and 1 from each of the other Parishes. In 1948, the islands, now liberated from enemy occupation, saw a significant constitutional change. Rectors and Jurats ceased to be Members of the States and were replaced by 12 Senators and an increased number of Deputies the Church continued to be represented by the Dean of Jersey although this position no longer carried a vote. Jurats remained Members of the Royal Court but no longer had legislative functions The official languages of the States are English and French. Members may address the Assembly in either language; however most of the States business is done in English.

Access Information

Full catalogue available to view online at www.jerseyheritage.org. Access to records at Jersey Archive. Please bring driving licence or passport as ID on your first visit.