CO129-161 - Public Offices - 1872 — Page 501

CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 All AI Reviewed

"In connection on his behalf but under this Ordinance he will have a right to have his counsel's carefully prepared statements put forward for him by the judge (though subject to comment but only as evidence is treated) as evidence.

A Judge without the guidance of counsel on one side and the other, and without the aid of the action of counsel, will, in Hong Kong, have to act on the facts, "not" by the flexible rules of law governed by him, and the comparatively easy common law numerous decisions of English judges guided him. Under the Ordinance he is deprived of these aids and there will be as various kinds and degrees of the "interrogation" of prisoners in Hong Kong as there are degrees of disposition to condemn prisoners in the minds of Judges.

I fear that I may have been too long in obeying Lord Kimberley's request. I could offer other arguments, but I feel already too lengthy. I am alarmed at the duty which Ordinance No 3 of 1872 will impose on me - a duty which will embarrass me.

If it be thought that Ordinance No 3 is moving in the right direction, I think that the provisions proposed by Mr Ball should be added as a protection to the accused. I see most reasonable other suggested alterations.

It is a small matter, but I note that the word "prisoner" is used throughout. The question arises: is the Ordinance intended to apply to prisoners only, and not to be extended to all accused persons on their trials, such as persons on bail usually designated Defendants, or to Defendants under Summonses?

I return Ordinance No 3, 1872, as requested. I also enclose Rules of Courts in China & Japan, Code of Criminal Procedures (India), and Two MS Books (Calendars of Trials in the Superior Court of Hong Kong).

The four last enclosures - being frequently referred to - their return when done with would oblige.

I very much regret that my answer has been very long delayed. This is owing partly to absence from London, but mainly to my not having been able to find the documents I enclose until within this last week.

I have the honor to be,

Sir,

Your very obedient Servant,

John Smale,

Chief Justice of Hong Kong.

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2026-05-20 23:47:29 · NVIDIA / meta/llama-4-maverick-17b-128e-instruct
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"In connection on his behalf but under this Ordinance he will have a right to have his counsel's carefully prepared statements put forward for him by the judge (though subject to comment but only as evidence is treated) as evidence. A Judge without the guidance of counsel on one side and the other, and without the aid of the action of counsel, will, in Hong Kong, have to act on the facts, "not" by the flexible rules of law governed by him, and the comparatively easy common law numerous decisions of English judges guided him. Under the Ordinance he is deprived of these aids and there will be as various kinds and degrees of the "interrogation" of prisoners in Hong Kong as there are degrees of disposition to condemn prisoners in the minds of Judges. I fear that I may have been too long in obeying Lord Kimberley's request. I could offer other arguments, but I feel already too lengthy. I am alarmed at the duty which Ordinance No 3 of 1872 will impose on me - a duty which will embarrass me. If it be thought that Ordinance No 3 is moving in the right direction, I think that the provisions proposed by Mr Ball should be added as a protection to the accused. I see most reasonable other suggested alterations. It is a small matter, but I note that the word "prisoner" is used throughout. The question arises: is the Ordinance intended to apply to prisoners only, and not to be extended to all accused persons on their trials, such as persons on bail usually designated Defendants, or to Defendants under Summonses? I return Ordinance No 3, 1872, as requested. I also enclose Rules of Courts in China & Japan, Code of Criminal Procedures (India), and Two MS Books (Calendars of Trials in the Superior Court of Hong Kong). The four last enclosures - being frequently referred to - their return when done with would oblige. I very much regret that my answer has been very long delayed. This is owing partly to absence from London, but mainly to my not having been able to find the documents I enclose until within this last week. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your very obedient Servant, John Smale, Chief Justice of Hong Kong.
Baseline (Original)
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2026-05-20 23:47:29 · Baseline
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Lar

کو

" in cordene on his behalf but under this

ait the will have

a

right to have his

cunningly dearsed statements for put forward for him by the judge (though subject to comment but only evidence is treated) us evidence.

a Judge

Washout the Ardmance

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"not" the flexible rules of law governed him & the

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English judges guided. him - Under the Ordinance he is deprived these aids and there will be as various

kends and degrees of the "interrogation" of prisoners in Hong Kong as

as there

are de

degrees

of disposition to condemn prisoners in the minds of Judges.

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that Imay have been tor

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request. Scould offer other

these

are

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If it be thought that Ordinance the right direction I think that the provies proposed by Mo Ball sobe

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most reasonable other suggested alterations

1월

objection this

لاگ

the Ordmane

495

It is a small matter but Inote that the word "pusoner " is used throughout.

The question arises is the Ordinance intended to apply; to prisoners only and not tobe extended to all

on their strials, accused persons a such

?

as persons on bail usually designated Defendants or to Defendants under Summonses Inclosed Ireturn Ordmane No 3 1872 as requested.

Jalso

Salve enclose

Kules

39

of Courts in China & Japan

Code of Criminal Procedures.

(India)

Two Mi S: Books ( Calendars of Trials in the Superior Court of cong dong t

The four last enclosures-being frequently referred to

their rehörn.

when done with would

the

oblige

I very much regret that my answer has Ivery been long delayed. This is owing partly to absence from London but mainly to my not having been able to find the documents, I enclose, until within this last weekly have the honor to be

Sir

Your very obedient Servant

John Smale

Chief Justice of Hong Kong,

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