The States of Election will be meeting next month to choose a new Jurat – but what is a Jurat? And who decides who gets to become one?

Nominations opened on 15 December and will close at 4pm on Friday for an individual to replace Jurat Steven Morris, who will be stepping down.

What is a Jurat?

Jurats act as a jury and are finders of fact in both civil and criminal cases – they do not interpret law (this is done by the presiding judge, who provides direction for the Jurats to follow).

Jurats are also involved in the sentencing process.

After someone is found guilty in a criminal case, and the Jurats have heard about any mitigating circumstances, the Judge retires with the Jurats, and directs them on issues relevant to sentencing.

In civil cases, the Judge retires with the Jurats to direct them on the law. After the Jurats have reached a decision, the Judge drafts a judgment and returns to the Court with the Jurats to declare their decision and state the appropriate reasons.

The Jurats carry out a wide range of other statutory and judicial duties in Guernsey.

They sit as the Bench of the Royal Court, hearing cases as a Full Court or Ordinary Court, including appeals from the Magistrate’s Court. Their responsibilities also include overseeing the Contracts Court, acting as Commissioners in insolvency and liquidation proceedings, supervising the destruction of Guernsey banknotes, and performing various other legal functions.

Some Jurats are appointed as Lieutenant-Bailiffs with additional responsibilities, mainly presiding over Contracts Courts.

However, many islanders will be familiar with Jurats through seeing them out and about during key ceremonial occasions such as Liberation Day and Remembrance Day, wearing traditional judicial dress.

At such occasions, and while sitting on the Bench, they wear purple robes, toques (hats), wing collars and bands.

How does the Jurat selection process work?

The decision is made by the States of Election, which currently comprises the Bailiff and the Law Officers, the Jurats, the eligible Rectors, the People’s Deputies and 34 Douzaine Representatives.

All have a vote except for the Bailiff who is only able to vote if there is a tie.

The States of Election will meet on Wednesday 28 January 2026 to choose the new Jurat.

So far, the Bailiff has confirmed receipt of one nomination for the vacant role.

Last Tuesday, it was confirmed that Mr Mark Peter Richard Downing had been proposed by Deputy Mark Helyar. He is seconded by Deputy Adrian Gabriel.

Then on Monday, it was confirmed that Mr John Nicholas Lenfestey Fitzgerald had been proposed by Deputy Jayne Ozanne and seconded by Deputy Stephen Falla.