The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:

     Regarding the multiple instances of judicial copying in the judgments written by Mr Justice Wilson Chan of the Court of First Instance of the High Court, Chief Justice Andrew Cheung, Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, made the following statement today (July 27):

     The primary duty of a judge in adjudicating cases is to hear and determine them in accordance with the applicable law and the evidence presented before the court. In doing so, a judge must exercise an independent judicial mind in carefully considering and resolving the issues raised and in determining the disputes before the court. The exercise of independent judicial judgment, which lies at the heart of the adjudicative process, is principally reflected in the reasons and judgments delivered by the judge.

     Judicial copying strikes at the very core of this fundamental requirement. It raises serious concerns as to whether a judge has brought an independent mind to bear on the issues and disputes requiring determination. Such conduct is wholly unacceptable.

     The public concern arising from the multiple instances of judicial copying involving Mr Justice Wilson Chan in recent years is fully recognised. The high standards expected by the community of both the Judiciary and individual judges are entirely justified.

     Notwithstanding the severe reprimand previously issued and the undertaking given by Mr Justice Chan to improve, judicial copying has continued to occur. A number of appeals have arisen over time, some of which have led to orders for retrial. Such conduct has not only adversely affected the interests of the parties concerned and imposed an unnecessary burden on appellate judicial resources, but has also undermined public confidence in Mr Justice Chan's continued ability to discharge his judicial responsibilities properly.

     Having given the matter the most serious and careful consideration, I have concluded that further action is required to safeguard public confidence in the administration of justice and in the independent and professional discharge of judicial duties. I have therefore today formally requested Mr Justice Chan to take early retirement from judicial office. Mr Justice Chan has submitted his retirement application accordingly, and I have approved it in the public interest, effective 31 July 2026. 

     Although these incidents of judicial copying relate to a single judge, I have taken this opportunity to remind judges and judicial officers at all levels of the court system of the importance of avoiding any form of judicial copying. Training in judgment writing will also be strengthened where appropriate.

     I remain fully confident that judges and judicial officers will continue to perform their duties diligently, independently and professionally, in accordance with the Judicial Oath.

Ends/Monday, July 27, 2026
Issued at HKT 18:00

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