30 -
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
of the number of occasions during the past 5 years on which barristers from private practice have been appointed to sit as deputy judges under section 10 of the Supreme Court Ordinance;
since the enactment in July 1994 of section 6A of the Supreme Court Ordinance how many barristers have indicated their willingness to be appointed as recorders, and how many have actually been appointed;
whether the recorder system has resulted in any recorders sitting to hear cases; if not, when the system will be implemented and what is the likely number of cases to be heard by recorders during the next year;
how much notice of sitting dates is given to recorders and deputy judges from private practice; and
whether there is any system in place whereby recorders or deputy judges can be made available at short notice to hear a case if the assigned judge is unavailable; if so, how often has it been used and on how many occasions has a recorder or deputy judge from private practice declined to sit?
Reply:
Mr President,
(a)
(b)
(c)
T
During the past 5 years, there were 32 occasions when barristers in private practice were appointed to sit as deputy judges of the High Court under section 10 of the Supreme Court Ordinance (Cap 4).
A total of 40 barristers have indicated interest in becoming recorders of the High Court. The Judicial Service Commission has made a preliminary assessment of the suitability of these barristers and is drawing up a shortlist of suitable candidates Appointments will be made by the Governor upon receipt of the Judicial Service Commission's advice.
Pending receipt of the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, it is not possible to estimate the number of recorders to be appointed during the next year and the likely number of cases to be heard by them. Once appointed, a recorder is expected to sit in the High Court for at least 4 weeks each year. It is estimated that approximately 10 recorders will share the workload of one full-time judge.
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