Jonathan Sumption, a former UK Supreme Court judge, criticized a ruling in Hong Kong, calling it “legally indefensible.” His remarks sparked controversy, leading to a response from the Hong Kong government and debate over the role of overseas judges in the city’s judiciary.
While some defended the presence of foreign judges, others questioned its necessity and potential impact on Hong Kong’s legal system. The recruitment of overseas judges has been a longstanding practice, but recent resignations have raised concerns about the system’s future.
Amidst criticisms and debates, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu expressed the city’s commitment to transparency in maintaining foreign judges on the Court of Final Appeal. The ongoing discussions reflect tensions surrounding Hong Kong’s judicial system and its relationship with international norms.