Pledge to uphold judicial independence
January 13, 2020 - Chief Justice Geoffrey Ma said the rule of law is rightly cherished by the community and is the foundation of a cohesive society. "We must do all our best to preserve it and to treasure it because once damaged, this is not something from which our community can easily recover, said Mr Ma at the opening of the 2020 Legal Year. Pledging to uphold judicial independence, Mr Ma said, "Everyone is subject to the law, no one is above it. The duty on the courts to enforce the law is a constitutional requirement of the Basic Law. I can say with confidence that my fellow judges and I will discharge our duties without compromise and without fear." The Chief Justice pointed out that the proper administration of justice depends on judges discharging the duties and responsibilities incumbent on them. "Judges do not have the duty to achieve a certain result in accordance with popular wishes, whether they be majority or minority wishes," he said. "However, they have to ensure that a fair trial takes place and to adhere strictly to the requirements of the law. In the discharge of their responsibilities, judges look only to the letter of the law and to the spirit of the law, and nothing else." Political, economic or social considerations, as opposed to legal considerations, simply do not enter into the equation. Details here. |