THE Island’s new Jurat has been sworn in.
Donald Christopher Gardener was elected to the position in a narrow contest last month.
The retired banker from St Brelade received 37 votes in an Electoral College, beating retired advocate Julian Gollop by one vote.
Mr Gardener was previously the head of funds at Barclays bank and is a real estate lending specialist. He now fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Jurat Steven William Austin-Vautier.
A Jurat is one of the oldest and most important judicial roles in Jersey, dating back to the 1300s.
The Electoral College comprises the Bailiff and other members of the Royal Court as well as elected States Members.
Jurats work with the court judge to determine sentences. Jurats also hold the power to determine verdicts.
In addition, they deal with matters like granting or refusing bail applications, constitute Jersey’s Licensing Assembly and oversee elections as returning officers among other civil and legal responsibilities.
