The Government today expressed regret at the resignation of Justice Robert French as a non-permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal (CFA) and extended gratitude for his contribution over the years.
The Judiciary announced that Mr French, a non-permanent judge from other common law jurisdictions (CLNPJ) of the CFA, tendered his resignation to the Chief Executive.
The Judiciary said it is grateful to Mr French for his valuable contributions to the work of the CFA and his support for the rule of law in Hong Kong during his tenure.
In his resignation letter to the Chief Executive, Mr French expressed great respect for the judicial officers of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as well as their independence and integrity, adding that he felt honoured to have worked with them.
The Government said the long-time presence of esteemed judges from overseas as non-permanent judges of the CFA, participating in hearings of the court, is conducive to the international legal environment and the development of the jurisprudence of common law in Hong Kong.
Their continued participation alongside permanent judges speaks to the enduring strength and resilience of the court, it added.
Noting the judicial system of the Hong Kong SAR is protected by the Basic Law, the Government said that the city is vested with independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication and that the courts exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference.
It emphasised that the presence or absence of individual judges will not undermine the integrity of the system nor impair the Government’s determination in upholding the rule of law.
Upon Mr French’s departure, there are nine non-permanent judges comprising four non-permanent Hong Kong judges and five CLNPJs from the UK and Australia in the CFA.
The Judiciary stressed that in light of the steady caseload, the operation of the CFA will not be affected by the recent change in membership of the court. It will continue to identify suitable local and overseas candidates for appointment as non-permanent judges.
The Government indicated its full support to the Judiciary in the continuous efforts to appoint and retain foreign non-permanent judges in the future, and will endeavour to capitalise on the Hong Kong SAR’s common law system, upholding the rule of law in Hong Kong.