Senior counsels must defend the judiciary: top judge

Chief Justice Andrew Cheung said on Saturday that senior counsels have a responsibility to speak up not only in defence of judicial independence, but also to defend the judiciary’s reputation.

At a ceremony for the admission of four new silks, the chief justice reiterated that judges administer justice strictly according to the law, without fear or favour, self-interest or deceit.

Judicial power is exercised independently, he said, and isn’t subject to any interference.

“Repeated and gratuitous questioning of the Judiciary’s independence, whether domestic or from abroad, which is based on nothing but disagreement with court decisions, is damaging to the rule of law and maintenance of public confidence in our courts,” Cheung said.

He said senior counsels, as leaders of the Bar, know how courts actually function, even in the most difficult and controversial cases.

“Senior Counsel bear the responsibility, whenever the opportunity arises, of speaking up for the Judiciary, not only in protection of judicial independence, but also in defence of its local and international reputation as an independent judiciary,” he said.

“This is very much in the public interest and for the good of Hong Kong.”