Separation of Powers
- End the dual role of the Bailiff and establish an elected Speaker of the States Assembly to preside over debates.
- Establish an independent prosecution service.
It is essential in a healthy democracy that the different branches of government have a degree of separation between them, so they can hold each other to account and ensure no branch exceeds its powers. The dual roles of the Bailiff (as head of the Royal Court and States Assembly) and the Attorney General (as chief prosecutor and the government’s legal advisor) are incompatible with this principle and must be changed.
Reform Jersey will establish an elected Speaker to preside over the States Assembly, leaving the Bailiff to focus on their duties as head of the court and Jersey’s civic head. We will also establish an independent prosecutor, not connected to a political role in government.