The pool of foreign judges available to serve on cases in Hong Kong’s top court is getting smaller. A British judge recently stepped down, making it the fifth departure this year. Currently, there are only six foreign judges left in the pool. The latest judge to leave, Nicholas Phillips, stated that his decision was personal and not politically motivated. At 86 years old, Phillips has a wealth of experience and expertise that will be missed by the court. He was the first president of the UK’s Supreme Court when it was established in 2009.
Nicholas Phillips has been serving as a non-permanent judge in Hong Kong since 2012. Foreign judges who wish to sit on cases in Hong Kong must have previously served on a high-level court in the common law world. Phillips’ departure raises concerns about the dwindling pool of foreign judges in Hong Kong’s judiciary.
The departure of foreign judges from Hong Kong’s top court can have significant implications for the city’s legal system. The presence of foreign judges helps to ensure a diverse range of perspectives and expertise in the judiciary. Their experience can also contribute to the development of Hong Kong’s legal system and uphold the rule of law in the city.
As the pool of foreign judges in Hong Kong continues to shrink, there is a need to actively recruit and retain qualified judges from diverse backgrounds. The departure of judges like Nicholas Phillips underscores the importance of ensuring a robust and diverse pool of foreign judges in Hong Kong’s judiciary.
Efforts should be made to attract experienced judges from different parts of the world to serve in Hong Kong’s courts. This can help to maintain the integrity and independence of the city’s judiciary. Additionally, investing in the training and development of local judges can also help to strengthen Hong Kong’s legal system.
In conclusion, the departure of foreign judges like Nicholas Phillips highlights the need to strengthen Hong Kong’s pool of foreign judges. By recruiting and retaining qualified judges from diverse backgrounds, Hong Kong can ensure the continued integrity and independence of its judiciary. It is essential to prioritize efforts to maintain a robust and diverse pool of foreign judges to uphold the rule of law in the city.