Letters | UK judges’ exit heralds waning role of non-permanent judges in Hong Kong’s top court
- Readers discuss the longer-term changes facing the Court of Final Appeal, and anti-China sentiment in UK politics
The valuable contribution of the overseas non-permanent judges to the Court of Final Appeal over the last 25 years must be acknowledged and appreciated. It is hoped that the remaining overseas non-permanent judges from Australia, Canada and the UK would continue to contribute.
The participation of overseas non-permanent judges in the Court of Final Appeal has many advantages: ensuring the benefit of comparative perspectives and experience, enjoying the confidence of all concerned, and enhancing confidence in the independence of our judiciary. I had hoped this unique arrangement would continue in the coming years and beyond 2047.
But times have moved on and circumstances have changed. In the longer term, we have to be prepared that the level of participation of the overseas non-permanent judges may not be the same as before. However, I am confident that this would not affect the quality of the Court of Final Appeal since there is now considerable depth of talent in our judiciary and legal profession.