Chief Justice to Attend 20th Conference of Chief Justices of Asia and the Pacific in Korea

CJ to attend 20th Conference of Chief Justices of Asia and the Pacific in Korea

The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:

Chief Justice Andrew Cheung of the Court of Final Appeal will depart for Seoul, Korea, tomorrow (September 15) to attend the 20th Conference of Chief Justices of Asia and the Pacific, which will be held from September 16 to 19.

The Conference is a biennial event that brings together Chief Justices and senior judges from across the Asia-Pacific region to exchange views and insights on the latest developments in judicial systems throughout their jurisdictions. During the Conference, Chief Justice Cheung will moderate a session on the role of the judiciary in different jurisdictions and deliver a presentation on the importance of judicial education in a rapidly changing environment. Other legal and judicial issues to be discussed include safeguarding judicial independence and maintaining public confidence in the judiciary, the use of artificial intelligence in the justice system and legal profession, and the interface between court systems and arbitration.

The Conference will be held alongside the 39th Law Association for Asia and the Pacific (LAWASIA) Conference in Seoul. During his visit, Chief Justice Cheung will also attend the Judicial Leaders Forum at the LAWASIA Conference on September 16.

Chief Justice Cheung will return to Hong Kong on September 20. During his absence, Mr Justice Roberto Ribeiro, Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal, will serve as the Acting Chief Justice.

Chief Justice Andrew Cheung of the Court of Final Appeal, Photo source: reference image

Investigation upon District Council Member's conviction

The Government noted today (September 14) that the District Court convicted Yuen Long District Council (YLDC) Member Sei Chun-hing of intercourse with a girl under 16, with Sei on remand until sentencing on October 27.

The Government places great importance on the conduct and integrity of DC Members, and will closely monitor the progress of the legal proceedings and follow up accordingly. The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs (SHYA) has received a letter from the Chairman and three Members of the YLDC, pursuant to the District Councils Ordinance (Cap. 547) (the Ordinance), to initiate an investigation on the matter. The SHYA will appoint a supervisory committee, in accordance with the Ordinance and the performance monitoring system of DC Members, to conduct the investigation.