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(ii) While the Bill of Rights Ordinance (unlike the Letters Patent now and the Basic Law in future) cannot entrench anything against future repeal by ordinary legislation, it might be thought to give the Bill of Rights some quality higher than that of ordinary legislation. That too is cause for concern.
"There is an obvious difference between, on the one hand, views so expressed and, on the other hand, conclusions reached in an actual case after mature consideration having heard counsel and deliberated with other members of the court hearing an appeal. That difference is too obvious to require elaboration. It is equally obvious that I like every other judge would faithfully apply the law as he finds it. The Bill of Rights Ordinance is part of the fabric of the laws of Hong Kong and will be given effect to in the courts whenever the occasion arises in accordance with its provisions."
End/Friday, November 17, 1995
CJ's views on BORO received
In response to press enquiries, a Government spokesman confirmed today (Friday) that the Administration had received Chief Justice's views on the Bill of Right Ordinance in writing.
"They will be passed to the Attorney General for him to consider whether any further comment is necessary," the spokesman said.
End/Friday, November 17, 1995