Club Lunch: Reflections on Judicial Independence

Hong Kong takes pride in its independent judiciary. It is one of the features that sets it apart from mainland China and some countries in Asia. This talk traced how some recent breakdowns in the judicial process in Hong Kong have compromised the chief executive’s ability to implement the law, and have also opened the door to questions on Hong Kong’s judicial independence. Mr Litton will also take questions on controversial issues, including the jailing of pro-democracy student activists and legislation on China’s national anthem.

Henry Litton was appointed to the Court of Appeal in 1992 and became a permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal in 1997. He is now an honorary professor at the University of Hong Kong Faculty of Law. Mr Litton was born in Hong Kong. He was educated at the Diocesan Boys’ School, King’s College in Taunton, England and Merton College Oxford. He practiced law as a barrister for more than 20 years, including twelve as Queen’s Counsel. He has served seven years as chairman of the Bar Association. Additionally, he was chairman of the Rhodes Scholarship Committee, chairman of the Town Planning Appeal Board and the three pollution-control boards.