HKBA chair defends HK’s judicial independence at 2026 Legal Year Opening

Hong Kong's judiciary remains fully independent, with judges who are strictly apolitical and decide cases solely on law and evidence, Hong Kong Bar Association Chairman José-Antonio Maurellet SC declared at the Ceremonial Opening of the Legal Year 2026 on Monday.

In his speech, the chairman reaffirmed the Hong Kong Bar’s commitment to continue to speak out on matters concerning the rule of law, judicial independence, and the independence of legal professions.

He expressed complete confidence in the political neutrality of Hong Kong judges, emphasising that they “consider nothing except the law and the evidence.”

Maurellet warned that criticising court decisions purely out of dissatisfaction is unfair and undermines the rule of law.

He highlighted the Basic Law’s provision allowing judges from other common law jurisdictions to serve on the Court of Final Appeal, noting this ensures the CFA comprises top judicial talent and aligns its rulings with widely accepted common law principles.

Maurellet also stressed that judicial independence is essential for Hong Kong’s long-term stability and prosperity, cautioning that any doubt about a court’s impartiality risks eroding public confidence in its judgments.