Review of Access to Justice in Jersey

Information about the publication of Ministerial Decisions

A formal published “Ministerial Decision” is required as a record of the decision of a Minister (or an Assistant Minister where they have delegated authority) as they exercise their responsibilities and powers.

Ministers are elected by the States Assembly and have legal responsibilities and powers as “corporation sole” under the States of Jersey Law 2005 by virtue of their office and in their areas of responsibility, including entering into agreements, and under any legislation conferring on them powers.

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demonstrating that good governance, and clear lines of accountability and authority, are in place around decisions-making – including the reasons and basis on which a decision is made, and the action required to implement a decision
providing a record of decisions and actions that will be available for examination by States Members, and Panels and Committees of the States Assembly; the public, organisations, and the media; and as a historical record and point of reference for the conduct of public affairs

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The Freedom of Information Law (Jersey) Law 2011 is used as a guide when determining what information is be published. While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.

A decision made on 2 December 2013:

Decision Reference: MD-C-2013-0144
Decision Summary Title :	Proposition and Report – Review of Access to Justice in Jersey		Date of Decision Summary:	29th November 2013
Decision Summary Author:	Director, International Affairs		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	N/A
Written Report Title :	Access to Justice in Jersey: review		Date of Written Report:	29th November 2013
Written Report Author:	Director, International Affairs		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Subject: Proposition and Report – Review of Access to Justice in Jersey
Decision(s): The Chief Minister agreed to lodge ‘au Greffe’ a Proposition and Report regarding a Review of Access to Justice in Jersey for debate by the States at the earliest opportunity
Reason(s) for Decision: The Council of Ministers considered this matter on 27th November 2013 and agreed that the draft terms of reference should be lodged by the Chief Minister for consideration by the States Assembly, and that the members of the Advisory Panel who will work with the Chair should be appointed by ballot.
Resource Implications: There are no additional manpower or financial implications at this initial stage. There may be a need to engage some external support in due course to assist with the production of the interim-report, but this would be funded from within existing limits set by the Medium Term Financial Plan, as would other costs associated with the initial stage of the review. Once the interim-report has been submitted within 6 months of the work commencing, then the possible financial and manpower implications of options for future change should become clearer. The terms of reference proposed includes the requirement to consider the delivery of value for money in the use of public funds.
Action required: The Greffier of the States to be requested to lodge ‘au Greffe’ the Proposition and Report - Access to Justice in Jersey: review, for debate by the States at the earliest opportunity.
Signature:		Position: Chief Minister
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):