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The
Sovereign is represented in the island by the Lieutenant Governor,
but the island has its own legislative and taxation systems, which
are a blend of Norman and English.
The
States of Jersey
Jersey's
government is the States of Jersey, which is one of the oldest legislative
bodies in the world. Although
the Lieutenant Governor attends the States, he takes no part in
the debates.
Instead
it is presided over by the Bailiff, who is appointed by the Crown.
He is President of the Assembly and acts as its Speaker.
He
is also President of the Royal Court. He has no political power,
but he does have the right of speech. There is also a Deputy Bailiff,
who acts in the Bailiff's absence.
As
well as this, there is an Attorney General and a Solicitor General,
who are law officers appointed by the Crown. They have the right
to speak but not to vote, and often explain or clarify points of
law raised during debates.
Elected independent members
The
rest of the States is composed of 53 elected independent members.
This breaks down into 12 constables, 12 senators and 29 deputies.
Each
constable is civic head of one of the island's 12 parishes, as well
as being head of the Honorary Police of that parish. The Honorary
Police force contains Centeniers, Vingteniers and Constable's Officers,
and they are there to assist the ordinary police.
Other
officials unique to Jersey include the Viscount (who deals with
bankruptcy and inquests), the Greffiers, who are clerks of the courts,
and the States Assembly.
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