Bailiff (Channel Islands)

In the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey the Bailiff is the first civil officer, effectively serving as head of government He is appointed by the Crown, and generally holds office for life. He presides at the Royal Court, and takes the opinions of the Jurats; he also presides over the States, and represents the Crown in all civil matters. Though he need not necessarily have had legal training, he is usually selected from among those who have held some appointment at the Island's Bar.