Court of Final Appeal (HK)

The Court of Final Appeal is Hong Kong’s highest judicial body, established on 1 July 1997, replacing the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. Located in Central, Hong Kong, its primary mission is to exercise the power of final adjudication over Hong Kong law, ensuring judicial independence and upholding the common law system. It hears appeals on civil and criminal matters from the High Court. The Court is notable for its unique composition, including permanent and non-permanent judges, with the latter often comprising distinguished jurists from other common law jurisdictions, which is seen as a safeguard for judicial independence.