Laws of Guernsey

Book excerpt: A considerable volume of international financial business is carried on in Guernsey, a near independent jurisdiction with close constitutional links to Britain about to celebrate the 800th anniversary of its status. Guernsey law is distinct from English law, drawing on its own history and traditions as well as modern English legal principles and those of other jurisdictions. Laws of Guernsey is the first textbook of modern times to introduce the core areas of Guernsey law and court procedure. It is essential reading for the many individuals and entities with business either in Guernsey or governed by Guernsey law. It will be of particular interest and assistance to lawyers from other jurisdictions concerned with Guernsey law issues, whether litigation, succession, insurance, employment or anything else; likewise the book will assist insurers, bankers, trustees and financial services professionals generally. The book includes a foreword written by the Bailiff of Guernsey, the Island's senior judge. The following principal areas are introduced: Company and commercial law; trust law; income tax law; law of succession; property law; employment law; health and safety at work law; tort law; contract law; civil procedure and injunctions; criminal law and procedure; anti-money laundering legislation. The book includes various legislative materials and many cross-references to English law in particular, likewise to French law. Contents: Foreword by the Bailiff of Guernsey; Acknowledgements; Abbreviations; Table of Cases; Table of Laws, Statutes and other legislative materials; Table of Orders of the Royal Court, Rules, Practice Directions etc.; Table of Bailiffs from the time of the Restoration; Introduction; 1) Sources of Guernsey Law and the Force of Precedent; 2) The Constitution of the Bailiwick of Guernsey; 3) The Review of Administrative Decisions; 4) The Housing Control and Right to Work Legislation; 5) Control of Development; 6) Family Law; 7) Guardianship (Tutelle and Curatelle); 8) Law of Trusts: The Trusts (Guernsey) Law 1989; 9) Succession Laws of the Bailiwick; 10) Income Tax; 11) Insolvency; 12) Security Interests; 13) Control of Borrowing; 14) Financial Services Regulation in the Bailiwick; 15) Guernsey Company Law; 16) Employment Law; 17) Health and Safety at Work Law; 18) Civil Courts and Procedure; 19) Injunctions, Arrêts and the Clameur de Haro; 20) Conflict of Laws; 21) Criminal Courts and Procedure; 22) Evidence in Civil and Criminal Proceedings in Guernsey; 23) Guernsey Law of Realty and Leases; 24) Guernsey Law of Tort and Contract; 25) Epilogue; Appendices; Bibliography; Index