Senior Judicial Appointment
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The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:

     The Chief Justice welcomed the acceptance by the Chief Executive of the recommendations of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission ("JORC") on the appointment of Mr Murray Gleeson AC, The Right Honourable The Lord Walker of Gestingthorpe and The Right Honourable The Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury as non-permanent judges from other common law jurisdictions to the Court of Final Appeal ("CFA").  The Chief Justice noted that the Administration will be seeking the endorsement of the Legislative Council of these recommended appointments.

     The Hong Kong CFA Ordinance (Cap. 484) provides for a list of non-permanent Hong Kong judges and a list of judges from other common law jurisdictions.  Currently, there are 6 non-permanent Hong Kong judges and 10 non-permanent common law judges.  The maximum number of non-permanent judges is 30.  In hearing and determining an appeal, the CFA is constituted by five Judges, which usually include one non-permanent judge from another common law jurisdiction.  

Ends/Friday, November 7, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:31

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