A crown dependency is defined as “A self-governing possession of the British crown”, this includes the Isle of Man, the Bailiwick of Guernsey and the Bailiwick of Jersey. This means that Jersey decides its own laws and is also protected and represented by Britain.

Jersey’s connection to the crown is due to an event in 1204 where the island had to choose whether to align themselves with the French crown or the English, despite being a part of French territory for the past hundred years, Jersey decided to side with King John of England.

Because of this, King John awarded islanders with the right to govern themselves which led to the creation of the Royal Court and the States of Jersey, and political positions have now become democratic as people have to elect representatives in.