The new Bailiff of Jersey has been sworn in. Michael Cameron St John Birt, was named as the next Bailiff of Jersey at a ceremony at the Royal Court, St Helier on Thursday 9th July. 

The appointment of Mr Birt, who used to be the Deputy Bailiff, was approved by the Queen on the recommendation of the Lord Chancellor and the Secretary of State for Justice. Mr Birt, 60, replaced Sir Philip Bailhache, who retired on 30th June.

Born in England, Mr Birt moved to Jersey when he was three years old. He was called to the English Bar in 1970 after graduating from Cambridge and practised in England as a barrister until 1975.
He returned to Jersey in 1976. He qualified as an Advocate in Jersey in 1977 and was appointed Crown Advocate in 1987. In 1994 he was appointed to the office of Attorney General of Jersey, and became a QC in 1995. In February 2000 he was appointed as Deputy Bailiff of Jersey.

Mr Birt said:
“I am very honoured to have been appointed as Bailiff in succession to Sir Philip.  It is an ancient office which carries with it great responsibilities.  I shall do my best at all times to serve the community and the best interests of the island.”

The Bailiff of Jersey has three main official duties. He presides over the Royal Court in Jersey and is President of the island’s Court of Appeal. The Bailiff of Jersey is the President of the States of Jersey (the island’s legislature) in which role he determines procedure, and acts in the same capacity as the Speaker of a Parliament.

The role of Deputy Bailiff will be taken on by William Bailhache QC when he is sworn in on 2 November 2009. Mr Bailhache is currently the island’s Attorney General.