English
Pronunciation
- (US) SAMPA:/"dZUr.%
User Contributed Dictionary
Extensive Definition
Jurat (through French
from mediaeval Latin jurat, "he
swears," Lat. jurare, to swear) is the name given to that part of
an affidavit
containing the actual oath or affirmation.
In addition, the word can refer to the sworn
holders of certain offices.
English and United States law
In English and United States law, the word jurat is applied to that part of an affidavit which contains the names of the parties swearing the affidavit, the actual statement that an oath or affirmation has been made, the person before whom it was sworn, the date, place and other necessary particulars. The jurat is usually located on the bottom of a document. A typical form would be "Sworn to before me this (blank) day of (blank), 20__," with the signature of the witness, often a notary public, the place, and sometimes other particulars.Additionally, this term can be used for certain
electronic forms, (such as electronically filed tax returns in
certain states), where the taxpayer(s) attest to the truth of the
information contained. In the case of an electronically filed tax
return, the taxpayer has to provide certain specific information -
his social security number for example - to "sign" the jurat.
Having done this, the electronically submitted return is considered
to have the same legal effect as if the taxpayer had actually and
physically signed the return.
Channel Islands
Under the ancien régime in France, in several towns, of the south-west, such as La Rochelle and Bordeaux, the jurats were members of the municipal body. The title was also borne by officials, corresponding to aldermen, in the Cinque Ports, but is now chiefly used as a title of office in the Channel Islands.There are two bodies, consisting each of twelve
jurats, for the bailiwicks of Jersey and of
Guernsey
respectively. They form, with the Bailiff as
presiding judge, the Royal Court
in each bailiwick. The Jurats, as lay people, are judges of fact
rather than law, though they preside over land conveyances and
liquor licencing.
Until the constitutional reforms introduced in
the 1940s to
separate legislature and judiciary, they were elected for life, in
Jersey by islandwide suffrage, in Guernsey by the States of
Election, and were a constituent part of the legislative
bodies.
Although no longer a political post, the office
of jurat is still considered the highest elected position to which
a citizen can aspire.
Jersey
In Jersey, the power to raise excise duties was
exercised by the Assembly of Governor, Bailiff and Jurats. These
financial powers, along with the assets of the Assembly, were
finally taken over by the States of
Jersey in 1921, thereby enabling the States to control the
budget independently of the
Lieutenant Governor of Jersey. In 1948 the jurats were replaced
in the legislature by directly-elected senators. Jurats now serve
as non-professional judges until retirement (at 72) and are
indirectly elected by electoral
college constituted of States Members and members of the legal
profession. The Royal Court sits either as the Inferior Number
(judge and two jurats) or the Superior Number (judge and at least
five jurats). Only the Superior Number can impose sentences of
imprisonment of more than four years. The Superior Number also acts
as a court of first appeal from the Inferior Number. Appeals from
the Superior Number are heard by the Court of Appeal in which
jurats do not sit.
The robes of jurats are red with black
trim.
List of Jurats of the Royal Court of Jersey
In order of seniority:Guernsey
In Guernsey, the Jurats are still elected by the
States of Election, made up of the Island's judiciary, Law Officers
and Anglican clergy.
The Royal Court of Guernsey sits either as the
Ordinary Court (Bailiff or Deputy Bailiff and two jurats) or the
Full Court (Bailiff or Deputy Bailiff and seven jurats).
The robes of jurats are purple (although the
precise shade has varied).
Alderney
The court of Alderney consists of six jurats
(appointed by the Crown) and a chairman.