Chief Justice welcomes reappointment of judge to Top Court

Chief Justice Andrew Cheung on Thursday expressed his approval of the decision to reappoint Justice Roberto Alexandre Vieira Ribeiro as a permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal, the city’s highest court.

The reappointment, recommended by the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission and accepted by the Chief Executive, reflects confidence in Justice Ribeiro’s continued contribution to the judiciary. 

The Chief Justice acknowledged Justice Ribeiro’s willingness to extend his service, emphasizing the importance of his role in maintaining the court’s operations. 

The government is now preparing to seek the Legislative Council’s endorsement to formalize the reappointment.

The Court of Final Appeal plays a critical role in Hong Kong’s judicial system, handling the most significant legal appeals. 

According to the governing ordinance, the court must consist of five judges for each case: the Chief Justice, three permanent judges, and one additional judge, who may be a non-permanent Hong Kong judge or a non-permanent judge from another common law jurisdiction. 

This structure ensures a balanced and diverse judicial perspective for the court’s rulings. 

Justice Ribeiro’s reappointment is seen as a step toward maintaining stability and expertise in the judiciary, supporting the court’s ability to uphold the rule of law in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Bar Association has also expressed strong support for the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission’s recommendation to reappoint Justice Roberto Ribeiro as a Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal, where he has served since 2000 as the court’s most senior judge in that role.

His significant contributions to common law jurisprudence are widely acknowledged, with many of his judgments frequently cited in other common law jurisdictions, underscoring his influential role in shaping legal precedent.