STATES OF JERSEY

The right wing of this building, which houses the States, was built at the end of the 19th century, as was the left wing, which houses, on the first floor, the very interesting session room of the States. It is a small amphitheatre with three rows of seats, a hemicycle with oak panelling. Framed texts are affixed on both sides of the seats. These are the addresses offered to the King of England during his visits to the island. The Jersey Parliament, the States Assembly, administers its own particular affairs in a completely autonomous manner according to age-old traditions. While foreign policy and defence matters are managed by London, the Island can refuse to comply with any measure if it feels its independence and interests are threatened. Like Guernsey, it had refused to become part of the European Union. There was no question of harmonising with other European countries a tax system that had made and still makes it rich. All members of Parliament are elected by universal suffrage for a term of 3 to 6 years, and none of them is expected to represent a political party. The Parliament is composed of 12 representatives of the parishes, 10 senators and 29 deputies. They each participate in the various committees in charge of the different areas of the island's administration. The Lieutenant-Governor and the Legal Advisers are appointed by the Crown. The Bailiff is appointed for life by the King or Queen.