​Contents​

Miscellany

Registers of beneficial ownership of companies 1

Articles

• Bicameralism in the Isle of Man

  Peter W Edge 6

  Unicameralism is the norm for small democracies. The Isle of Man is something of an outlier, being the only Crown Dependency with a bicameral legislature. The second chamber of the modern Tynwald originates from constitutional reforms of the early twentieth century, and has been subject to more than a century of incremental development. It gives a worked example of a distinctive way of appointing to the second chamber—first chamber franchise—which may be useful to consider for other small democracies considering reform of an existing bicameralism, or adopting bicameralism for the first time. This paper sketches out the shape of the Manx experience since 1919, bringing out themes which may be useful to Jersey and Guernsey in evaluating any bicameral future.

• Treaty-making in the Channel Islands

  Philip Bailhache 30

  Treaty-making is a relatively recent phenomenon in the Channel Islands. Not so long ago, the States of Jersey was described by Crown counsel in a case before the Privy Council as “historically and constitutionally . . . not a provincial Parliament or local Legislature, but a Municipal Corporation or Common Council for the whole Island” (Jersey Prison Board case, 1891–94). Yet, in a preamble to the States of Jersey Law 2005, sanctioned by the Crown, it was “recognized that Jersey has autonomous capacity in domestic affairs” and that “there is an increasing need for Jersey to participate in matters of international affairs”. In the last 25 years the Channel Islands have developed a limited international personality and have been “entrusted” by the UK to make treaties in their own names with foreign states. The article also discusses the different types of treaty and the procedure for their ratification or approval.

• Guernsey legal methodology—an explanation

  Gordon Dawes 44

  An attempt to explain and systematise Guernsey legal method, and a plea.

• Case Summaries 102

  Summary of Legislation: 1 September–31st December 2023

  Bailiwick of Jersey 125

  Bailiwick of Guernsey

  Guernsey 129

  Alderney 142

  Sark 143

• Notes for Contributors Inside back cover