Privy Council Judgment in A v R (Guernsey)

The Privy Council has today handed down judgment in A v R (Guernsey) [2018] UKPC 4.  The case arose out of an Order requiring the making of maintenance payments in respect of a child made by the Court of the Seneschal in the island of Sark in the Bailiwick of Guernsey.  The Court had purported to make the Order pursuant to its powers under customary law.  The Appellant, in an appeal with potentially significant consequences for the citizens of Sark, argued that the Court of the Seneschal was a ‘creature of statute’ and had no customary law at all.  The Privy Council rejected the appeal.

The Privy Council's press summary is available here.

Caoilfhionn Gallagher QC and Sam Jacobs of Doughty Street Chambers acted for the Respondent, instructed by Nick Barnes of Ashton Barnes Tee, Guernsey.