Judicial appointments accepted

May 22, 2019

Chief Executive Carrie Lam has accepted the advice of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission on the appointments of two judges.

 

Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court Jeremy Poon will be appointed High Court Chief Judge.

 

While Lord Jonathan Sumption will be appointed as a Court of Final Appeal non-permanent judge from another common law jurisdiction.

 

Subject to the Legislative Council’s endorsement, the Chief Executive will make the appointments under Basic Law Article 88.

 

Mrs Lam said she is pleased to accept both recommendations.

 

She noted that Justice Poon is a highly competent judge of high integrity who commands respect within the Judiciary and from the legal profession, adding that he is experienced in civil and criminal appeals as well as administrative matters.

 

Mrs Lam added she is confident that if appointed, Justice Poon will discharge his duties as the High Court Leader with distinction.

 

The Chief Executive also said Lord Sumption was a Justice of the United Kingdom Supreme Court since January 2012 until he retired from the office in December last year.

 

Noting that Lord Sumption is a judge of eminent standing and reputation, Mrs Lam said she is confident that he will be a great asset to the Court of Final Appeal.

 

She also said with Lord Sumption's appointment, the panel of non-permanent judges from other common law jurisdictions will consist of 15 eminent judges from the UK, Australia and Canada.

 

Their presence manifests Hong Kong’s judicial independence, Mrs Lam added.

 

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