OUR LEGAL SYSTEM

Guernsey’s parliament is called ‘The States of Deliberation’ and is democratically elected. There are no political parties in Guernsey.

The States meet on a monthly basis  (except in August).  They have a special meeting in December to consider the Budget and to debate the annual Policy Planning procedure.  The order paper for States Meetings is called the Billet d’État.   Items mainly take the form of States Reports submitted by Departments although from time to time Requêtes are submitted by States Members, (at least seven signatures are needed).  A Requête is in effect a Private Members Motion.  The Policy Council and the Treasury and Resources Department comment on the various proposals set out in the Billet d’État.  It also includes draft legislation for approval.

The States of Deliberation have the power:-

· To raise taxation
· To determine expenditure
· To pass legislation