What we do
The Jersey Law Commission reviews Jersey’s laws and recommends improvements. Our aim is to keep the law clear, modern and effective.
This includes:
- removing outdated or unnecessary laws
- fixing inconsistencies
- reducing the number of laws
- making the law clearer and easier to understand
To do this, the Commission:
- considers proposals for law reform
- submits work programmes to the Legislation Advisory Panel for review
- examines approved areas of law, consults as needed, and develops reform proposals
Who we are
The Jersey Law Commission was established by a States proposition in 1996 (P.102/1996), lodged by the Legislation Committee.
The Commission is made up of a Chair and 7 Law Commissioners.
Commissioners are leading experts in specialist areas of Jersey law.
They may be drawn from:
- practising or recently retired Jersey lawyers
- local academic institutions
- people based outside the Island who have a strong connection to Jersey and its legal community
All Commissioners are appointed through an open and transparent recruitment process overseen by the Jersey Appointments Commission. Appointments are made on the recommendation of the Chief Minister and approved by the States Assembly.
Commissioners usually serve a 3-year term. They are volunteers.
How we work
The Jersey Law Commission works closely with the Government of Jersey and the States Assembly. We are an independent advisory body and a key stakeholder in Jersey’s law reform programme.
The Commission identifies topics for law reform and works with others to develop them.
Working with other organisations
We work with organisations involved in developing and maintaining Jersey law, including:
The Commission also works with other law reform bodies across the British Islands, including:
Our work also involves the public, civil society and the third sector.
All legislation in Jersey, and much case law, is available on the Jersey Law website.
The work programme
We prepare a work programme every year. This sets out the law reform topics it plans to work on and is submitted to the Legislation Advisory Panel.
The work programme is shared with other stakeholders for comment.
Each topic is allocated to a Law Commissioner, known as the Topic Commissioner. The Topic Commissioner manages and delivers the work. Progress and final reports are presented to the Legislation Advisory Panel before publication.
The Chair is responsible for the overall delivery of the work programme and for presenting it to the Legislation Advisory Panel.
The review process
Once a topic is approved, the Topic Commissioner leads the review. A practising Jersey lawyer may be appointed as a Topic Practitioner to provide practical insight and expert advice. In some cases, a practitioner from outside Jersey may be appointed where appropriate.
Each review usually follows these steps:
- identify and define the problem
- research and summarise the current law
- propose changes to address the problem
- publish a consultation paper
- consider the feedback received
- publish a final report, which may include drafting instructions or a draft law
Annual report
The Jersey Law Commission publishes an annual report on its activities and use of funds. The report is submitted to the States Assembly for approval.
Budget and funding
The Jersey Law Commission receives funding from the Chief Minister’s Office. The budget is approved by the Legislation Advisory Panel as part of the annual work programme.
Funds are administered by the Government of Jersey. The Commission does not hold or manage funds directly. All expenses are submitted to Government for payment.
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