Courts of Guernsey

The Courts of Guernsey are responsible for the administration of justice in the Bailiwick of Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands. They apply the law of the Island, which is a mixture of customary law dating back as far as the 10th century and legislation passed by the legislature, the States of Deliberation.

The principal court is the Royal Court and exercises both civil and criminal jurisdiction.

Additional courts, such as the Magistrate's Court, which deals with minor criminal matters, and the Court of Appeal, which hears appeals from the Royal Court, have been added to the Island's legal system over the years.

It is likely that the oldest law that the Royal Court is called upon to provide judgement over is the Clameur de haro a Norman form of injunction, whereby the aggrieved party makes a plea for justice to Rollo the 10th century founder of the Duchy of Normandy.

Criminal Jurisdiction of the Magistrate's Court Dealing with criminal law cases which are liable to attract a sentence of a maximum of two years and/or a fine of £20,000.

Civil Jurisdiction of the Magistrate's Court Dealing with civil matters where the sum in dispute does not exceed £10,000. Commonly known as “petty debt” cases.

Family Law Matters covers child maintenance payments, child contact and other issues which arise from time to time when a relationship breaks down.

Inquests are held at the magistrates court and are normally held at the request of the Law Officers of the Crown.

Juvenile Court The Juvenile Court is part of the Magistrate's Court and, if considered appropriate by Her Majesty's Procureur, will sit to consider some cases involving juveniles (under the age of 18) who are charged with criminal offences. Her Majesty's Procureur may also refer the case to the Child Youth and Community Tribunal. This court is not open to the public.

This court, convened with a Jurat Lieutenant Bailiff and four other Jurats witness conveyances of real property, real property agreements, legal charges on property (bonds), marriage contracts and deed polls prior to their registration on the public records, as well as liquor licence applications.

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Wikipedia