The Island of Guernsey

The island of Guernsey is British, but not part of the United Kingdom nor the European Union. Guernsey has an area of only 24.3 square miles and a population of nearly 59,807 (2001 census). The island is governed by the States of Guernsey.

The island's Royal Court is presided over by The Bailiff, who is also president of Guernsey's legislative body, the States of Deliberation. In recent years this dual role has been questioned and change is possible in the future. There is no trial by jury in Guernsey, instead a group of 12 Jurats, elected by the States of Election, sit in judgment on serious cases. Lesser matters are handled by the Magistrate's Court, overseen by a single Magistrate.

The island's main income is derived from its flourishing finance industry - Guernsey is an attractive destination thanks to the low rate of taxes and other advantages offered to companies wishing to set up offshore offices.

The Guernsey parliament evolved gradually from the Royal Courts established by the constitutions of King John. The Bailiff, who presided over a court of 12 jurats, began to consult other leading members of the community - Les Etats, or the States, as they came to be called - about the running of the island. It was not until the mid-18th century that the separate functions of the Royal Court and the legislative body, the States, were clearly defined and in the 19th century elected representatives began to sit in the States.