Channel Islands

:Alternative meaning: Channel Islands of California

Politics

Major articles: Politics of Jersey, Politics of Guernsey

Related Topics:
Politics of Jersey - Politics of Guernsey

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Both the Bailiwick of Guernsey and the Bailiwick of Jersey are British crown dependencies, but neither is part of the United Kingdom. They have been part of the Duchy of Normandy since the 10th century and Queen Elizabeth II is often referred to by her traditional and conventional title of Duke of Normandy. However, pursuant to the Treaty of Paris (1259) she is not the Duke in a constitutional capacity and instead governs in her right as Queen. This notwithstanding, it is a matter of local pride by monarchists to treat the situation otherwise; the Loyal Toast at formal dinners is to "The Queen, our Duke" rather than to "Her Majesty, the Queen" as in the UK.

Related Topics:
Guernsey - Jersey - British - Crown dependencies - United Kingdom - Duchy of Normandy - 10th century - Queen Elizabeth II - Duke of Normandy - Treaty of Paris (1259) - Loyal Toast

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The Channel Islands are not represented in the UK Parliament and each Island has its own primary legislature, known as the States ("Chief Pleas" in Sark). Laws passed by the States are given Royal Sanction by The Queen in Council, to which the Islands' governments are responsible.

Related Topics:
UK Parliament - The Queen in Council

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In 2001 responsibility for links between the Channel Islands (together with the Isle of Man) and the Crown passed from the Home Secretary to the Lord Chancellor's Department, replaced in 2003 by the Department of Constitutional Affairs.

Related Topics:
2001 - Isle of Man - Home Secretary - Lord Chancellor - 2003 - Department of Constitutional Affairs

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In addition, Acts of the UK Parliament may be extended to any of the Channel Islands by Order-in-Council (thus giving the UK Government the ultimate responsiblility for good government in the Islands). By constitutional convention this is only done at the request of the Insular Authorities, and has become a rare option, the Islands usually preferring nowadays to pass localised versions of laws giving effect to international treaties.

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Matters reserved to the Crown (i.e. the United Kingdom government) are limited to defence, citizenship, and diplomatic representation. The Islands are not bound by treaties concluded by the United Kingdom (unless they so request) and may separately conclude treaties with foreign governments (except concerning matters reserved to the Crown). The United Kingdom conceded at the end of the 20th century that the Islands may establish direct political (non-diplomatic) contacts with foreign governments to avoid the situation whereby British Embassies were obliged to pass on communications from the governments of the Bailiwicks that were in conflict with United Kingdom government policy.

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The Islands are not part of the European Union but are part of the Customs Territory of the European Community by virtue of Protocol 3 to the Treaty on European Union.

Related Topics:
European Union - European Community - Treaty on European Union

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Islanders are full British Citizens, but not all are European Citizens. Any British citizen who applies for a passport in Jersey or Guernsey receive passports which bear the words 'British Islands, Bailiwick of Jersey' or 'British Islands, Bailiwick of Guernsey'. Under the provisions of Protocol 3, Channel Islanders who do not have a close connection with the UK (no parent or grandparent from the UK, and have never been resident in Great Britain or Northern Ireland for any 5 year period) do not automatically benefit from the EU provisions on free movement within the EU and consequently their passports receive an endorsement to that effect. This only affects a minority of Islanders.

Related Topics:
British Islands

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Under the Interpretation Act 1978, the Channel Islands are deemed to be part of the British Islands, not to be confused with the British Isles, of which they are also historically considered a part.

Related Topics:
British Islands - British Isles

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Both Bailiwicks are members of the British-Irish Council, and Jèrriais and Dgèrnésiais are recognised regional languages of the Isles.

Related Topics:
British-Irish Council - Jèrriais - Dgèrnésiais - Regional language

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The legal courts are separate (separate courts of appeal have been in place since 1961). Among the legal heritage from Norman law is the Clameur de Haro.

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