this is the problem. Research takes time and even when concluded will forn only one input in the decision-making process. In the meantime Government has obviously felt the necessity to act, and the Special Committee has felt an equal obligation to comment.
Sir Ivo leaves HK with a warning
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F.H.H.K.
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WHAT WE ARE DOING IS WRONG
In an interview with The STAR Sir Ivo Rigby, our Chief Justice for the last three years and a Puisne Judge for twelve, said he was leaving Hongkong with mixed feelings and gave us in some detail why the state of affairs here will prevent him from having only pleasant memories:
"I love Hongkong and its people and we (my wife and I) will leave behind some very real friends.
"But I regret extremely the increase in jurisdiction of both magistrates and District Court Judges and for my part have grave doubt on the necessity for it.
"I have always been a firm believer in trial by jury.
"It is only right and proper that a man charged with a serious offence should not have the decision of his guilt or in- nocence vested in one man.
"It should be the collective decision of a group of citizens we call a jury.
"It is not a criticism of the magistrates or judges but of the heavy responsibility left on the shoulders of one man.
"Insofar as the magistrates' courts are concerned I would have liked to see an appeal against conviction by a magistrate follow the same course as it does in Britain.
"Such an appeal is by way of a completely fresh trial." With a trend towards longer and stiffer sentences being introduced in new laws, Sir Ivo predicted a grim future for ne community in Hongkong.
"I am glad I shall not be here to reap the bitter harvest when young persons serving long sentences are released.
"For that reason I have continuously suggested alternatives to long periods of imprisonment.
"For lesser offences all should be done to avoid prison sen- tences and instead one should consider corporal punishment, probation or detention in training centres.
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