Group aims to increase public awareness of Jurat elections

Monday 22 March 2021

With a new Jurat set to be appointed this week, Women in Public Life has created a guide to help explain the process and the candidates contesting the election.

The States of Election meets at 09.30 on Wednesday 24 March to hold the election that was postponed in January due to lockdown.

The successful candidate - one of Anne Setters, Clare Burton, Heather Reed or Mark Dorey - will replace Jurat David Grut, who has retired, as one of the Guernsey Courts' decision-makers.

"Jurat elections hold great significance for the Island," said Shelaine Green, Chair of Women in Public Life. 

"Deputies are only elected for a four-year term whereas Jurats may stay in post until the age of 72. Being elected as a Jurat is the highest honour Guernsey can bestow on one of its residents."

Pictured: Jurats preside over cases in the Royal Court and decide sentences based on sentencing guidelines. 

When the group saw there was a Jurat election coming up earlier this year, it contacted the candidates to ask about their backgrounds, and their biographies and CVs are now up on our website, which can be found HERE.

"Since the launch of Women in Public Life last year, we've provided detailed information about the role of Jurat on our website as part of our mission to inspire and support the women of Guernsey to stand for public office," said Ms Green.

"But we've noticed the infomation is also being used by people generally - Guernsey folk are understandably curious about how our unusual and historic jury system works.

"Even though the public doesn't elect Jurats directly, we hope the Information Hub will help Islanders feel more involved in the important decision that will be made on 24 March - and perhaps consider standing themselves one day".