Tiny and feudal, Sark is a law unto itself. Self-governing and self-sufficient it has a 400-year-old constitution. This is currently under review by a special island committee to see if any changes are needed.

The island is split into 40 tenements (divisions of land). It is presided over by the Seigneur who acts on behalf of the Queen.

The island’s governing body is called Chief Pleas. It consists of the Seigneur, a Seneschal, 12 peoples’ deputies who are elected triennially and tenants who are not elected but have a seat because they own tenements in the island.

While committees do much of the groundwork, Chief Pleas debates and approves legislation when it meets four times a year. Extraordinary meetings are occasionally held for very important issues.

Guernsey’s Royal Court has a constitutional right to both annul any law on the ground that it is unreasonable and to direct Chief Pleas in all matters of procedure.

The Seneschal’s Court is Sark’s sole court of justice and has full jurisdiction in both criminal and civil cases. The Seneschal, who is appointed by the Seigneur, is responsible for acting as both judge and jury of the cases that come before him.

Other administrative officers are the Prevot, the Greffier, the Treasurer, the Constable and the Vingtenier.

The latter two are the island’s ‘police force’. Elected by Chief Pleas, they serve a year in office and have no formal police training. When extra law enforcement is needed Guernsey lends a hand. The jail is tiny and holds only two people.

Sark’s governmental offices

Seigneur; tel. 832017

Seneschal; tel. 832097

Greffier; tel.832012

Prevot; tel. 832202

Constable; tel. 832533

Committee Office; tel. 832118

Fire Service (Aministration only); tel. 832530

Medical Officer; tel. 832045

Telephone Exchange; tel. 832284

Tourist Office; tel. 832345