Jersey, British crown dependency, largest and southernmost of the Channel Islands, in the English Channel. Area: 46 sq mi (120 sq km). Population: (2024 est.) 105,100. Capital: St. Helier (pop., 2001: 28,310). Separated from Normandy in 1204, it kept its Norman law and local customs but was administered for the English king by a warden. It was given legislative authority in 1771. It is now governed by a popularly elected assembly, which is presided over by a royally appointed bailiff. There is also a lieutenant governor, who represents the British monarch. Jersey fabric and Jersey cattle take their names from the island.