TNAG-1729-FCO40-2442-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 222

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Appointment of magistrates

Question No, Z

Reply by the Honourable the Chief Secretary Sir David Ford, KBE, LVO, JP

to a question raised by the Hon Tai Chin-wah in the Legislative Council on 27 April 1988.

7. MR. TAI asked:

Question Unlike

Unlike judges of

of the Supreme Court and the District Court whose appointment and removal are governed by the Letters Patent, magistrates are appointed by a warrant by the Governor. Will the Government inform this Council whether it intends to introduce any legislation implementing a change in mode with regard to the appointment and conditions of service of magistrates SO as to ensure the total independence of our judicial system from

influence and control of the executive?

le

CHIEF SECRETARY :

Sir

While appointed under different procedure, all Judicial Officers, including both Judges and Magistrates,

are appointed by the Governor. Also, all

all such

appointments are made оп the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission which is an independent

statutory body.