This Article examines the experience of the Royal Court during the Covid-19 pandemic, the steps taken to ensure that the administration of justice was not significantly affected, and the changes in practice which have resulted.
Aquitting The “Guilty”? Quashing A Conviction After A Guilty Plea
In Bouchard v Att Gen, the Royal Court considered an appeal against conviction where the defendant had entered an unequivocal plea of guilty. Two questions arose—could the court entertain such an appeal? If so, what was the appropriate test?
Changes In Jersey Ecclesiastical Law
The customary law of Jersey governed matters in the sacramental life of the twelve parishes of Jersey in line with the universal Canon law. The development of a distinct body of ecclesiastical law for Jersey began with the Island’s attachment to the episcopal See of...
Data Stewardship: An Introduction To A New Digital Market
It is trite to observe that the volume of data that is generated and stored globally is increasing at an exponential rate. The value of this data, to individuals in the conduct of their everyday lives and to the businesses that collect and utilise it as an asset, is...
Costs Orders In Criminal Proceedings In The Royal Court
This article considers whether the Royal Court of Guernsey has power to award costs in criminal cases, with a particular focus on whether a defence costs order (meaning an order for payment of the defence advocate’s fees) may be made against the prosecution in the...
Judging The Jurats: Exploring The Legitimacy Of The Jurats’ Role
Guernsey currently has no jury system, no lay magistrates, no sentencing guidelines and no sentencing council. Instead, it has Jurats: lay people, elected to serve for life by an electoral college. They receive no formal training as adjudicators of fact and sentence....