History
A ''Bailli'', the early Norman name for Bailiff was the person who held and preserved the territory for the Duke of Normandy via the '' Sénéchale de Normandie'' and their ''Vicomté des Îles'', upholding the laws of Normandy. Significant change took place following the loss of Normandy in 1204 with King John appointing resident Wardens to defend the islands. John, as Count of Mortain, having himself been made a ''Warden of the Isles'' in 1198. We find that during the 13th century the term ''Bailli'' had different meanings however by the 14th century the rights and duties had solidified and become a distinct office from the sub-warden, who became the military commander on the island. The first Bailiff of Guernsey was Hugh de Trubleville who served from 1270 to 1277. The duty of the Bailiff was to preside over the Royal Court and direct the twelve Jurats who had the power to render judgement. In 1617 a Privy Council decision clarified the division of civil and military responsibilities between the Bailiffs and the Lieutenant Governors in Guernsey andQualifications, appointment and term of office
From the start of the 19th century a Bailiff has always been a Guernsey qualified lawyer, which means qualifying in both English law and then obtaining a ''Certificat d’Etudes Juridiques Françaises et Normandes'' from Caen University before being invited to the Bar in Guernsey. More recently the proposed Bailiff now normally serves as H.M. Procureur and/or as Deputy Bailiff before assuming the duty of Bailiff. The new Bailiff is robed and sworn into the office in front of the Jurats, the Members of the States of Guernsey and Advocates of the Royal Court. The oath is given in French with the oath giver undertaking to fulfil the office by maintaining the laws, liberties and customs of the island, advancing the Glory of God and honouring the Sovereign, as a true and loyal subject. Since 1853 the Bailiffs’ dress is a silk lined robe of purple, trimmed with ermine. A velvet bonnet of traditional French design is the approved headgear. The retirement age is set out in the letter of patent, normally the age of 65.Duties
Current duties include: * Legal **Since 1950 the Bailiff is confirmed as the sole judge of law in the Royal Court, only having a vote in a case of indecision by the Jurats. **On cases where fact is not an issue the Bailiff, or Deputy Bailiff may sit in sole judgement. **''Ex officio'' President and a Judge of the Guernsey Court of Appeal. * Political ** Presiding officer of the States of Deliberation, acting as moderator of debate. * Communications link ** The Bailiff's Chamber is the formal link between Guernsey and Governments of other countries, including formal and informal correspondence with the British Government. * Civic Head **The Bailiff is the civic head of the community and represents Guernsey on occasions of a non-political nature including representing the people on Royal visits. * Deputy Lieutenant Governor **Sworn in as the Deputy Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey, the Bailiff fulfils the function of Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey during absences. * Patron of local charities * May be appointed as a member of theSee also
*References
{{Guernsey topics, state=collapsed Government of Guernsey