https://www.scmp.com/rss/321885/feed The Honourable Andrew Li Kwok-nang served as the first chief justice of the Hong Kong SAR for 13 years until 2010. A graduate of Cambridge University, he had practised at the Hong Kong Bar and had served on the Executive Council and as chairman of the University and Polytechnic Grants Committee (now known as the University Grants Committee). He has received numerous honours and awards, including the GBM and 13 honorary degrees, from Tsinghua, Oxford and others. He is also an honorary professor... en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Under Article 23 of the Basic Law, the Hong Kong special administrative region has a constitutional duty to enact national security legislation covering seven areas. In the last 23 years, we have failed to do so. Only one attempt has been made. Further, there is no prospect of Hong Kong doing so for many years to come. It cannot be said with any confidence that we will be able to do so before 2047. In these circumstances and with regard to events in Hong Kong in the last few years, the decision... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3086946/china-enacted-national-security-law-must-be-consistent-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3086946/china-enacted-national-security-law-must-be-consistent-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Jun 2020 18:00:12 +0000 Like my fellow citizens, I am greatly concerned by recent events arising from the controversy over the fugitive offenders bill. As a former chief justice, I have no wish to participate in the political arena. But, having regard to the present extraordinary situation, I wish to contribute to the discussion, especially as certain issues have a legal dimension.  Overall, there is no doubt that the government made a serious error of political judgment. They misjudged the mistrust which the people of... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3017672/commission-inquiry-police-conduct-can-help-hong-kongs-healing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3017672/commission-inquiry-police-conduct-can-help-hong-kongs-healing?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Jul 2019 19:30:15 +0000 The University of Hong Kong Faculty of Law has built up a formidable reputation as our premier law school. It is one of the best in Asia and ranks among the top law schools in the world. It has produced graduates who form the backbone of the judiciary and the legal profession. Its graduates also contribute to business, government and other sectors. Many occupy leadership positions in public and civic life. Of course, no institution can rest on its laurels. Looking ahead, I am sure that this law... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/hong-kong/article/2175552/hong-kongs-young-lawyers-have-duty-uphold-rule-law?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/hong-kong/article/2175552/hong-kongs-young-lawyers-have-duty-uphold-rule-law?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Nov 2018 09:00:30 +0000 The citizen’s right of access to the courts to challenge decisions of public authorities by judicial review is an essential feature of our legal system based on the common law. Judicial review by an independent judiciary is fundamental to the rule of law and enables our rights and freedoms to be fully protected. It is rightly regarded as a distinctive feature of our system under “one country, two systems”. READ MORE: Hong Kong’s legal system ‘misused’ and ‘drowning in irrelevance’, says former... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1889831/why-focus-proper-procedure-essential-hong-kongs-rule-law?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1889831/why-focus-proper-procedure-essential-hong-kongs-rule-law?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 13 Dec 2015 23:00:47 +0000 This week will mark the official opening of the new premises of the Court of Final Appeal at the building which housed previously the Legislative Council and originally the Supreme Court. This is an event of great significance. This will be the court's permanent home. The renovations are of the highest standard. The community can be justly proud of it. With its central location, this historic monument will stand as a strong symbol of the continuing vigour of the rule of law with an independent... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1861063/hong-kongs-judicial-independence-here-stay-long-one-country?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1861063/hong-kongs-judicial-independence-here-stay-long-one-country?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 24 Sep 2015 09:00:00 +0000 The community is expecting anxiously the determination of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on the method of electing the chief executive in 2017. When it is made, the process of political reform will advance to a further stage. Like many of my fellow citizens, I am worried about the increasing polarisation in society today. In the coming months, I hope that there will be rational discussions within the parameters of the Basic Law and that all activities will be conducted... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1573656/under-rule-law-independent-judiciary-answers-no-political?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1573656/under-rule-law-independent-judiciary-answers-no-political?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 Aug 2014 22:05:39 +0000 I remember vividly my first encounter with Tsinghua University. In 1995, Mr Hu Xianzhang, vice-president of the university, and Mr Wang Zhenmin called on me in Hong Kong. Mr Wang was then a young man and assistant to the head of the law department. They told me about the university's aspiration to restart law. I immediately appreciated the great significance and importance of this project. I first visited Tsinghua in early 1996. The library of the law department was in a classroom and occupied... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1224033/law-school-graduates-carry-nations-hopes-rule-law?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1224033/law-school-graduates-carry-nations-hopes-rule-law?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:00:00 +0000