Responses to Crime Prejudice Law consultation published

A summary of responses to a consultation seeking opinions about what should be included in the draft Crime Law has been published. 

The consultation on the draft Crime (Prejudice and Public Disorder) (Jersey) Law is part of a broader package of measures looking at ways to demonstrate the commitment made locally to manage criminal offences in line with international standards.

During a 12-week consultation on the draft Law, Islanders were asked to respond on the following themes:

• the impact of legislation on free speech 

• definitions of some terms in the law

• issues of intent and thought crime 

• protected characteristics, specifically sex

• human rights compliance

• management of minor drug offences by parish halls

Written feedback was received from individuals, charities, the States of Jersey Police, and Comité des Chefs de Police (the Chef de Police of each Parish). 

It was clear that there was support for sex to be considered as a protected characteristic and this will now be included. 

Minister for Home Affairs, Connétable Len Norman, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to give their views, they are valuable in helping to enhance and modernise the Crime, Prejudice, and Public Disorder Law.

“While we originally intended to publish the report in March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic unfortunately delayed this. However, I’m very pleased that the report will now be online and available to everyone to read. 

“Officers will make the changes necessary to the Law in light of the consultation feedback and to bring the draft Law to the States in due course.”