Law Society of Jersey (Amendment No. 2) Law 201-

Information about the publication of Ministerial Decisions

A formal published “Ministerial Decision” is required as a record of the decision of a Minister (or an Assistant Minister where they have delegated authority) as they exercise their responsibilities and powers.

Ministers are elected by the States Assembly and have legal responsibilities and powers as “corporation sole” under the States of Jersey Law 2005 by virtue of their office and in their areas of responsibility, including entering into agreements, and under any legislation conferring on them powers.

An accurate record of “Ministerial Decisions” is vital to effective governance, including:

demonstrating that good governance, and clear lines of accountability and authority, are in place around decisions-making – including the reasons and basis on which a decision is made, and the action required to implement a decision
providing a record of decisions and actions that will be available for examination by States Members, and Panels and Committees of the States Assembly; the public, organisations, and the media; and as a historical record and point of reference for the conduct of public affairs

Ministers are individually accountable to the States Assembly, including for the actions of the departments and agencies which discharge their responsibilities.

The Freedom of Information Law (Jersey) Law 2011 is used as a guide when determining what information is be published. While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.

A decision made 24 February 2010 regarding: Law Society of Jersey (Amendment No. 2) Law 201-.

Decision Reference: MD-C-2010-0018
Decision Summary Title :	The Law Society of Jersey (Amendment No. 2) Law 201-		Date of Decision Summary:	12th February 2010
Decision Summary Author:	Policy and Research Officer		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	n/a
Written Report Title :	The Law Society of Jersey (Amendment No. 2) Law 201-		Date of Written Report:	12th February 2010
Written Report Author:	Policy and Research Officer		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Subject: The Law Society of Jersey (Amendment No.2) Law 200-
Decision(s): The Chief Minister approved the report and proposition entitled, ‘Law Society of Jersey (Amendment No.2) Law 201- ‘ and requested that it be lodged ‘au Greffe’ with a view to securing the earliest practicable date for debate.
Reason(s) for Decision: This Amendment is proposed so that the efficiency of the Disciplinary Panel may be increased by increasing the number of Panel members A request was put forward from the President of the Law Society that the Chief Minister consider increasing the number of members that sit on the panel. It has become apparent that the amount of time now required of the Panel Members to sit on Disciplinary Committees has exceeded what was originally anticipated. The Law Society made it clear that the number of Panel members provided for in the 2005 Law is no longer sufficient to enable the Panel to carry out its functions to the best of its ability. The Minister had therefore decided to seek amendment to the Law.
Resource Implications: There are no financial and manpower implications.
Action required: Request the Greffier of the States to ensure that the draft Law is lodged at the earliest opportunity for approval by the States.
Signature:		Position: Senator Terry Le Sueur, Chief Minister
Date Signed: 24 February 2010		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):