would wish to impede those who have the desire and the ability to be
versatile. Nor should they doubt that in a system of judicial studies
they will themselves have much to impart to those who will join or follow them in their specialisations.
10.
Generally, the Judiciary and the legal profession are in favour of judicial studies but some rightly say it is not easy to see
what will work in this relatively small Judiciary and not be
disproportionately expensive. It is pointed out that the cost is not
limited to financing judicial studies: judges need time out of court to
attend courses. It may be an answer to say that the judiciary in England and Wales is both heavily loaded and stringently resourced and
yet gives high priority to judicial studies.
11.
A System of Judicial Studies for Hong Kong
What can best be provided in Hong Kong? The solution will come from action within the Judiciary itself with a precise aim, clear
cbjectives for achieving it and target dates by which to meet the
objectives. External help will be needed from the academic world and from the legal profession as will the participation of other experts
from various fields.
12.
As a first step I recommend that the Chief Justice appoint a Judicial Studies Board with a chairman from the Supreme Court and members representing each of the courts and tribunals and the legal
profession. A teacher of law and the Senior Master (in his new
capacity) should also be members. In the beginning the board should be
charged with advising the Chief Justice what areas need to be covered
and in what order and with making recommendations. The earliest task
will be the provision of an induction programme for new appointees (including transferees and promotees) at all levels. Induction might include a week or two of pupillage with an experienced judge, visits to
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