Senior judicial appointment: non-permanent judge from another common law jurisdiction of the Court of Final Appeal
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Mr Lee said, "I am pleased to accept the JORC's recommendation on the appointment of Mr Keane as a non-permanent judge from another common law jurisdiction of the Court of Final Appeal. Mr Keane retired from the judicial office of Justice of the High Court of Australia in October 2022. He is a judge of eminent standing and reputation. I am confident that he will greatly contribute to the Court of Final Appeal.
"With the appointment of Mr Keane, the panel of non-permanent judges from other common law jurisdictions will consist of 11 eminent judges from the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. The presence of these esteemed jurists from overseas as non-permanent judges of the Court of Final Appeal manifests the exercise of judicial power independently by the Judiciary in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as protected by the Basic Law. It also helps maintain a high degree of confidence in the HKSAR's judicial system, and enables Hong Kong to maintain strong links with other common law jurisdictions. I have every confidence that these distinguished jurists from overseas with profound judicial experience will continue to be a unique strength of the HKSAR's judicial system."
Article 90 of the Basic Law provides that the Chief Executive shall obtain the endorsement of the Legislative Council on the appointment of judges of the Court of Final Appeal. The Government will seek the endorsement of the Legislative Council of the recommended appointment in due course.
The curriculum vitae of Mr Keane is at Annex.
Ends/Friday, January 13, 2023
Issued at HKT 18:00
Issued at HKT 18:00
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