A retired GP, charity worker and former foster parent who went on to become a Jurat is retiring from the Royal Court benches after six years – and islanders are being invited to apply to replace him.

A Jurat is one of the oldest and most important judicial roles in Jersey, dating back to the 1300s.

What does a Jurat do?

Jurats are finders of facts and work with the judge to determine sentences.

They also hold the power to determine verdicts.

In addition, they deal with matters like granting or refusing bail applications, they constitute Jersey’s Licensing Assembly, oversee elections as returning officers, amongst other civil and legal responsibilities.

Dr Gareth Hughes said he was “humbled” to take on the esteemed island role when he was appointed in 2019.

A well-earned retirement

Dr Hughes was elected to serve during a special ceremony at the Royal Court, presided over by Bailiff at the time, Sir William Bailhache, and Attorney General Robert MacRae.

He was proposed for the role by former Treasury Minister Susie Pinel and the nomination was seconded by Carey Olsen partner Advocate Marcus Pallot.

Attending the ceremony were Dr Hughes’ family – including his wife Julie and four children Owen, Anna, Susie and Oliver – who the Bailiff remarked were “smiling like nothing on earth” during the proceedings.

Interested in the role?

Announcing Jurat Hughes’ imminent retirement, Viscount Mark Harris yesterday invited interest from islanders who might wish to become Jurat.

Candidate nominations should be communicated to the Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, by noon on Friday 21 February.

The successful individual will then be sworn in on Thursday 6 March.

In the event that there is more than one candidate for the role, a meeting of the Electoral College will be held on Thursday 27 February.