The Viscount of Jersey (French: Vicomte de Jersey) has, since the 14th century, been the chief executive officer of the Royal Court of Jersey. Since 1930, court services have been provided by the Viscount's Department (French: Département du Vicomte)[1] in conjunction with the Judicial Greffe. Until 1973 the Viscount was appointed by the Crown; since 1973 Viscounts have been appointed by the Bailiff of Jersey.
The principal function of the Viscount (also referred to in Channel Island English by the Jersey Legal French title of the Vicomte) is the execution of the orders of the courts of Jersey. This involves managing fines, bail monies, seizures, confiscations, evictions, service of process, arrests for non-appearance in court and other enforcement procedures.
The Viscount manages jury selection and exemption, financial assistance to jury members and acts as surveillant for the jury.
The Viscount also acts as coroner to deal with matters relating to sudden or unexpected death, and administers estates of deceased persons.[2][3]
In cases of insolvency, the Viscount administers en désastre proceedings.
The Viscount is amongst those who act as autorisé (returning officer) for elections in Jersey.
The Viscount acts as mace-bearer for the Bailiff of Jersey in the States of Jersey and the Royal Court of Jersey, and carries out other ceremonial functions.
- ^ Loi (1930) constituant Le Département du Vicomte
- ^ "Inquests and Post-mortem Examinations Rules 1995". Jersey Legal Information Board. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
- ^ "Departments of the Judiciary and the Legislature (Jersey) Law 1965". Jersey Legal Information Board. Retrieved 11 April 2022.