298

Courts have, supposing the criminal arrested by their officers and brought before their Courts. Concurrent jurisdiction or not.

In the case of the Island of Hong Kong, the Chinese authorities incidentally all that is necessary to its full enjoyment; it was therefore given up by them to limit our right to arrest and punish criminals for crimes committed against persons or property of British subjects within reasonable limits of the shores of Hong Kong.

It strikes me, therefore, that it would be better to wait until the Chinese authorities complain. In the meantime, I would suggest that the Magistrates maintain their right of jurisdiction, which if not exclusive, may fairly be considered as concurrent under the circumstances.

It follows that because the arrest of a criminal on Foreign soil may form a legitimate complaint by one Government against another, it does not at all affect the jurisdiction of the court before which the criminal is brought to trial.

It may be a breach of International law...

Share This Page