The whole body of legislation is called the statute book. Jersey’s statute book is made up of the following types of legislation:
- Laws (for example the Legislation (Jersey) Law 2021)
- Orders in Council extending laws of the United Kingdom to Jersey
- Regulations
- Orders
- Acts
- Bye-laws
- Rules (mostly court rules)
R&Os
Regulations, Orders, Acts, Bye-laws and Rules are often collectively referred to as ‘R&Os’ because of the sequential reference numbers given to them.
Primary and secondary laws
R&Os are also known as secondary laws, because they are made under a provision of a primary law. Primary laws (called Laws in Jersey, and also some Orders in Council) set out the main elements of a law, and secondary legislation is used to fill in operational details.
You can view the primary and secondary laws on the Current laws page using the view toggle.
Customary law and common laws
The law in Jersey also includes customary law and common law (law as interpreted by the courts). You should seek professional legal advice with regards to these laws. These are not listed on the Jerseylaw.je.
Stages of legislation
Draft legislation
Draft legislation is legislation that is still in preparation and that has not been enacted or made. Draft legislation, other than pending laws, is not available on this site.
Draft legislation that is to be debated by the States Assembly is published as a proposition on the States Assembly website.
Find out more about draft legislation.
Pending laws
These laws are not yet considered enacted, or current, and cannot have effect until they are assented to by the King and registered in the Royal Court.
Find out more about pending laws.
Enacted laws
Enacted legislation is legislation in the form it was originally made without any later amendments. Enacted legislation is not up-to-date. See current laws.
Find out more about enacted laws.
Current laws
Current laws are laws that are in force today. They contain both primary legislation (for example, Laws and most Orders in Council) and secondary legislation (Regulations, Orders etc made under Laws and Orders in Council).
Find out more about current laws.
Archive (non-current) laws
Archive laws contain a large mixed collection of versions of laws that are not current or are not official (including translations).
Find out more about archive laws.
Repealed laws
Repealed laws are legislation that has been repealed by other legislation, or that has lapsed, expired or ceased to be in force.
Fnd out more about repealed laws.
Translated laws
Some of Jersey’s older laws are in French. Unofficial English translations are available for some of the most used French laws in the current collection to help you to understand the law.
Find out more about translated laws.