Lieutenant Bailiffs

The Bailiff enjoys the power to appoint one or more Lieutenants.

The increased demands on the time of the Bailiff, the Deputy Bailiff and the Judiciary have led to an increase in appointments of legally qualified Lieutenant Bailiffs, some resident in Guernsey and some resident outside of the Island. The resident Lieutenant Bailiffs sit frequently, whilst the non-resident ones sit when a member of the local Judiciary has a conflict of interest or when there is a need to cope with any litigation backlog.

The term of office of these Lieutenant Bailiffs expires six months after the end of the term of office of the Bailiff who appointed them.

By custom the Bailiff also appoints four Lieutenant Bailiffs from amongst the most senior Jurats. Their duties include presiding over the Contract Court and the Liquor Licence Extension Court that often follows it.

The term of office of Lieutenant Bailiffs who are Jurats expires at the end of the term of office of the Bailiff who appointed them.