Capital punishment in Jersey

Philippe Jolin 3 Octobre 1829 Jersey

Capital punishment in Jersey refers to the historical use of the death penalty in the Bailiwick of Jersey, a Crown dependency located near the coast of Normandy, France. The practice of capital punishment in Jersey has a long history, but it has been abolished for several decades.

History

Capital punishment was historically used in Jersey for a variety of crimes, including murder, treason, and other serious offenses. The methods of execution included hanging and beheading. The last execution in Jersey took place in 1959.

Abolition

The movement to abolish capital punishment in Jersey gained momentum in the mid-20th century. In 1965, the United Kingdom abolished the death penalty for murder, and Jersey followed suit. The death penalty was formally abolished in Jersey in 1986 for all crimes, including treason and piracy.

Legal Framework

Before its abolition, capital punishment in Jersey was governed by local laws and regulations. The Royal Court of Jersey was responsible for sentencing individuals to death, and executions were carried out under the supervision of local authorities.

Current Status

Today, capital punishment is no longer practiced in Jersey. The island has adopted a stance against the death penalty, in line with the broader human rights framework of the European Convention on Human Rights, to which Jersey is a signatory through its relationship with the United Kingdom.

See Also

• Capital punishment in the United Kingdom
• Human rights in Jersey
• Judiciary of Jersey
• Law of Jersey