New Law Made On Enforcing Judgments In Jersey

The recent judgment of Jersey's Royal Court in Brunei Investment Agency and Bandone v Fidelis and others [2008] JRC 152 has significantly extended its inherent jurisdiction to enforce foreign judgements in Jersey. Proceedings were brought in Jersey by the Brunei Investment Authority ("BIA") to enforce aspects of an order made by the Bruneian Courts against Prince Jefri Bolkiah ("Prince Jefri"), the youngest brother of the Sultan of Brunei.

The BIA originally commenced proceedings against Prince Jefri in the Courts of Brunei in 2000. It alleged both misappropriation and misapplication of several billion US dollars of state funds by Prince Jefri whilst he occupied governmental office. However the BIA and Prince Jefri reached a settlement prior to the matter being heard before the courts in May 2000. Subsequently Prince Jefri refused to comply with certain terms of the settlement and it was necessary for the BIA to apply to the Bruneian Courts for enforcement of the