TNAG-1589-FCO40-21741-Future-of-the-judiciary-in-Hong-Kong.-Part-1-of-2-1987 — Page 185

17.

I propose a system much less elaborate and expensive than some in the United States. Comparisons of scale rule out anything like

a judicial college as in Nevada or the Federal Judicial Centre in Washington. A better example for Hong Kong might be the Judicial Studies Board in England and I recommend that a representative of the new board here take an early opportunity to look at the English system and report back. For certain purposes it would be efficacious to send

members of the Judiciary to courses in England, America or elsewhere.

18.

An early development would probably be the establishment of

committees with co-opted members to perfect the system in particular

areas.

19.

I cannot here estimate the cost of my recommendations but if

members of the Judiciary are willing to make concerted efforts it will

not be high. There would be some staff costs; fees would be payable to

outsiders; there would be periodic accommodation costs and travel and

subsistence charges. It will cost very little to set the board up and

make a start.

20.

Some of the benefits appear in the course of the preceding

paragraphs. None can be costed at the moment but I suggest that the

balance of financial as well as other advantage lies with a judicial

studies system because it will ensure a more flexible and more fully

functioning Judiciary and will significantly help to make better use of

judicial time. It might save judicial posts and could reduce the

opportunities of appeal.

21.

There will also be a better service to the public, improved

judicial morale and productive exchange between judges and experts and

between the Hong Kong and foreign Judiciaries.

-

7? -

-