Hong Kong’s top judge calls on new senior counsel to defend rule of law and ensure equal access to justice for all
- Chief Justice Andrew Cheung urges newly appointed barristers to fulfil responsibilities to public, serving both rule of law and future of Hong Kong
- He makes call at ceremony marking appointment of Benson Tsoi, Frances Lok and Queenie Lau as city’s newest senior counsel
Hong Kong’s top judge has called on the city’s senior barristers to speak out against attacks on the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice, saying their responsibility extends beyond serving as skilled advocates.
Speaking at the admission ceremony for three new senior counsel on Saturday, Chief Justice Andrew Cheung Kui-nung said the newly appointed barristers should fulfil their responsibilities to the public, serving both the rule of law and the future of Hong Kong.
“In short, as the most pre-eminent amongst members of the independent Bar, senior counsel must be prepared to uphold the rule of law and ensure the proper administration of justice, speak out against those who would seek to undermine the rule of law [ …] apart from being highly capable and reliable advocates when appearing in court,” Cheung said.
The chief justice made similar calls to members of the judiciary at the opening of the legal year in January, urging judges to stand firm against “illegitimate pressure” and interference when issuing rulings.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Secretary of Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok echoed the chief justice’s call for senior counsel to serve the public beyond their private practice.