第一篇：香港終審法院首席法官馬道立2014年法律年度開啟典禮的講詞

2014年法律年度開啟典禮 香港終審法院首席法官馬道立致辭

2014年01月13日

我謹(jǐn)代表香港司法機(jī)構(gòu)全體仝人，熱烈歡迎各位蒞臨本年度的法律年度開啟典禮。

香港法院應(yīng)付的工作，反映我們身處的社會(huì)的現(xiàn)狀。法

院所處理形形色色的案件，正正反映了社會(huì)各個(gè)截然不同的生活層面∶經(jīng)濟(jì)、政治、社會(huì)問題、國際及商業(yè)事務(wù)。法官和法院的憲制角色，是要將法律引用于這些社會(huì)范疇所產(chǎn)生的各種不同情況。我們的法律制度不但讓個(gè)別糾紛得以解決，更藉案例提供高度明確的法律指引，讓社會(huì)人士在日常生活和工作上，處事有所依據(jù)。

法院須具透明度

去年，我集中談?wù)摿讼愀鄯芍贫鹊囊?--或精髓。我稱之為法律持正不阿的精神。今天，值得重申的就是法律持正不阿的精神的幾個(gè)要點(diǎn)∶真正獨(dú)立的司法機(jī)構(gòu)、單單根據(jù)法律的條文和精神去恰當(dāng)?shù)匾梅傻姆ü伲约翱粗胤ㄔ核龅囊磺许毦哂型该鞫?，以彰顯法律持正不阿的精神。后者尤為重要，因爲(wèi)要使人對(duì)一個(gè)社會(huì)享有法治有信心，并非單憑某些人（包括終審法院首席法官）所說的話，或者某些機(jī) 構(gòu)（包括政府）所說的話。反而，我們必須嚴(yán)謹(jǐn)?shù)貦z視各項(xiàng)相關(guān)的客觀因素，來評(píng)估法治是否存在。

這些客觀因素之中，最重要的是法院解釋其判案理由的

判案書。這些判案書公眾人士可自由查閱，以致他們可嚴(yán)謹(jǐn)和仔細(xì)地分析法院在裁決過程中的法律思維和推論，以確保法院的判決，乃是法院按其憲制上的職能，依據(jù)法律執(zhí)行司法工作所作出的。其他客觀因素當(dāng)然亦包括在法院進(jìn)行的絕大部分法律程序都是公開予公衆(zhòng)人士旁聽。本港法院的審訊（由一般人最可能接觸到的裁判法院，到終審法院）都是對(duì)公眾人士公開的。終審法院方面，我們已推出案件及判案書摘要。在每一宗上訴案件正式開審時(shí)，我們會(huì)以英文和中文提供上訴爭(zhēng)論點(diǎn)的摘要；而當(dāng)終審法院頒布判案書時(shí)，我們會(huì)同時(shí)提供上訴判決要點(diǎn)的摘要。我們希望這些摘要能加強(qiáng)公眾人士對(duì)終審法院工作的了解。

在過去一年，各級(jí)法院須審理不少困難的案件，其中不

乏關(guān)于公法的訴訟。最能體現(xiàn)法律持正不阿的精神的，也許就是這一類案件。公法案件---當(dāng)中很多是司法復(fù)核的案件---所涉及的可能不單是關(guān)乎極大的公眾重要性和利益的問題，有時(shí)亦涉及立法、行政與司法機(jī)關(guān)之間的分界線的爭(zhēng)議。于我而言，司法機(jī)構(gòu)的憲制權(quán)限清晰明顯∶法院和法官只處理訴諸法院的糾紛所引致的法律問題，并只就這些法律問題作出裁決。即使訴訟各方之間的糾紛或會(huì)產(chǎn)生政治、經(jīng)濟(jì)2 或社會(huì)上的影響，例如那些關(guān)乎政府政策的案件，法院仍貫徹始終，只會(huì)考慮訴訟各方爭(zhēng)議的法律問題。正如我之前多次談及，法院的角色并不包括就法律問題以外的任何其他范疇作出決定。《基本法》清楚訂明立法、行政、司法機(jī)關(guān)三權(quán)分立的原則，并以頗爲(wèi)明確的字眼界定三者的不同角色。就司法機(jī)構(gòu)而言，其憲制角色所涉的范圍是司法權(quán)力的行使，即依據(jù)法律審理訴諸法院的糾紛。

香港法官的獨(dú)立性、對(duì)法律持正不阿的精神的尊重，以

及司法機(jī)構(gòu)的憲制責(zé)任，都是香港法律制度的重要層面，但對(duì)法律制度的整體作出評(píng)定時(shí)，有一方面必須納入考慮之列，這就是司法工作的執(zhí)行，也就是法律在實(shí)際情況下的運(yùn)作。司法工作的執(zhí)行所指的是司法機(jī)關(guān)是否具備實(shí)際的能力，足以確保訴諸法院的法律糾紛均獲得公正和妥善的解決；簡而言之，這就是法治的實(shí)踐。顯而易見，法治所涵蓋的不僅是忠于法律和對(duì)法律持正不阿的精神的尊重，同時(shí)亦包括如何在實(shí)際情況下秉行公義，以及如何確保公衆(zhòng)人士可有效地向法院尋求公道。

任命程序保持法官質(zhì)素

要妥善執(zhí)行司法工作，關(guān)鍵在于各級(jí)法院法官的質(zhì)素。很久以前，法院的工作量明顯比現(xiàn)時(shí)的輕省得多，案件亦遠(yuǎn)不如現(xiàn)今訴訟中慣見的復(fù)雜或困難?，F(xiàn)時(shí)，司法機(jī)構(gòu)所聘任的法官必需具備至高的水平，這是社會(huì)上公認(rèn)的期望，亦是 我們務(wù)必要維持的標(biāo)準(zhǔn)。司法機(jī)構(gòu)自1997年起作出的司法任命，充分反映本港法官和司法人員的水平卓越。我們必須堅(jiān)持委任的法官必須具備至高的水平的一貫政策。法官并非由終審法院首席法官一人甚或一組的法官委任。候選人由一個(gè)按《基本法》規(guī)定成立、稱為「司法人員推薦委員會(huì)」的法定組織考慮是否適合接受任命∶此組織的職能是就所有級(jí)別法院法官（包括終審法院首席法官）的任命，向行政長官作出推薦。推薦委員會(huì)由終審法院首席法官擔(dān)任主席，并由八名其他委員組成，當(dāng)中有三位是與法律執(zhí)業(yè)無關(guān)的業(yè)外人士。推薦委員會(huì)委員必須作出與法官的司法誓言一般莊嚴(yán)的就職宣誓∶他們聲明在履行職能時(shí)，定必本著不懼不偏、無袒無憎的精神，直率地向行政長官提供意見。

多年來，推薦委員會(huì)在考慮司法任命方面的政策，一直

是以下述四項(xiàng)準(zhǔn)則為依據(jù)，即法律知識(shí)、為官性情、言行操守及案件管理能力。推薦委員會(huì)作出推薦的基本信念，乃是唯有具備卓越才能的候選人，才值得推薦接受任命。此做法過往一直行之有效，并將繼續(xù)是適當(dāng)、甚至是唯一的做法。委員會(huì)所作的推薦，會(huì)提交行政長官，行政長官有最終職責(zé)作出實(shí)際任命。我從未獲悉或聽聞行政長官曾拒絕接納委員會(huì)所作推薦，或試圖以任何方式影響委員會(huì)的決定。就終審法院首席法官、終審法院法官及高等法院首席法官的任命而言，行政長官亦須征得立法會(huì)同意。本港的法官任命程序的4 目的，是確保只有具備卓越才能、專業(yè)水平及良好操守的人選才能獲得任命。

法官質(zhì)素和公眾對(duì)他們的期望并非一成不變。一個(gè)與時(shí)

并進(jìn)的司法機(jī)關(guān)，務(wù)必維持最高水平，甚至力求進(jìn)一步提升；而我們也期望每名法官在履行職責(zé)時(shí)，均貫徹這一文化。整體而言，司法機(jī)構(gòu)亦已取得很大進(jìn)展。我們現(xiàn)正對(duì)司法培訓(xùn)制度作出重大改善。香港司法學(xué)院現(xiàn)已成立，以取代司法人員培訓(xùn)委員會(huì)，負(fù)責(zé)培訓(xùn)司法人員的工作。司法學(xué)院將為我們的法官提供更有規(guī)范、更著重實(shí)務(wù)、更實(shí)用的培訓(xùn)制度，讓他們獲得更佳的司法教育，并持續(xù)進(jìn)修法律知識(shí)。值得一提的是，上訴法庭副庭長司徒敬法官在這方面一直不遺余力，將來亦定必繼續(xù)作出貢獻(xiàn)，我們謹(jǐn)此向他致謝。

評(píng)估司法機(jī)構(gòu)需要

終審法院首席法官在執(zhí)行司法工作方面的其中一項(xiàng)職責(zé)，是評(píng)估司法機(jī)構(gòu)將來的實(shí)際需要---包括短期、中期及長期需要。我們法院的工作依然繁忙，而社會(huì)上各類重大的、具有深遠(yuǎn)影響的法律問題和挑戰(zhàn)，仍有待我們的法官去處理。我在過去一段日子，不斷評(píng)估司法機(jī)構(gòu)未來的實(shí)際需要。這評(píng)估包括嚴(yán)謹(jǐn)?shù)匮芯咳耸智闆r，檢視是否需要增加香港法官的數(shù)目。無論根據(jù)任何標(biāo)準(zhǔn)，以我們所處理案件的數(shù)量和復(fù)雜程度而言，本港司法機(jī)構(gòu)的規(guī)模相對(duì)細(xì)?。晃覀兊姆ü偌八痉ㄈ藛T編制人數(shù)為193位。倘若考慮增加法官的數(shù) 目，亦必定要研究相關(guān)的事情。譬如，如果司法機(jī)構(gòu)增加法官的人手，就必須確保有足夠的法庭數(shù)目和辦公地方，才能配合人手的擴(kuò)充。與此同時(shí)，其他后勤支援方面，自然亦要加以考慮。

去年七月，我曾就司法機(jī)構(gòu)需要更大的辦公地方和足夠 的資源的事宜，與行政長官通信。這次通信的原因，是因爲(wèi)倘若不考慮這些事宜，不但任何擴(kuò)充的計(jì)劃會(huì)受到掣肘，司法機(jī)構(gòu)要應(yīng)付現(xiàn)時(shí)的種種需求亦會(huì)飽受壓力。正如大家所知，司法機(jī)構(gòu)現(xiàn)正籌備成立競(jìng)爭(zhēng)事務(wù)審裁處，作為司法機(jī)構(gòu)轄下的一部分。除此之外，多個(gè)級(jí)別的法院---高等法院、區(qū)域法院、家事法庭及土地審裁處等均需要大量的辦公地方。

我在此欣然向大家匯報(bào)，行政長官和行政機(jī)關(guān)非常樂于

就這些議題與我們展開甚具意義的對(duì)話。他們認(rèn)同，一個(gè)高效率和獨(dú)立的司法機(jī)構(gòu)對(duì)法治至為重要，而行政機(jī)關(guān)亦應(yīng)全力提供一切所需支援，以提升香港司法工作的效益和效率，確保司法工作能公正地執(zhí)行。我相信，法治和司法工作對(duì)香港之重要性，廣爲(wèi)社會(huì)人士所認(rèn)同。法治和司法工作之重要性，不僅為行政機(jī)關(guān)所深知；透過司法機(jī)構(gòu)和立法會(huì)之間甚具意義的交流，特別是我近期與司法及法律事務(wù)委員會(huì)多名委員的會(huì)晤，立法會(huì)似乎亦抱有同樣的看法。

我歡迎這種對(duì)話，日后如有重大進(jìn)展，亦將知會(huì)社會(huì)各

界。這反映出法律在香港的重要性，反映出香港市民認(rèn)同司6 法工作是重要的。司法機(jī)構(gòu)改善民事司法制度的措施（民事司法制度改革于2009年推行）、對(duì)調(diào)解的推廣、亟需改革的家事訴訟程序法律（司法機(jī)構(gòu)于不久的將來會(huì)就此諮詢所有相關(guān)持份者），以及其他各個(gè)方面，均需要足夠的資源才能取得全面的成效。司法工作的有效執(zhí)行，符合公衆(zhòng)最佳利益；也為法治奠定有利條件，促進(jìn)社會(huì)穩(wěn)定，同時(shí)鞏固大家對(duì)社會(huì)現(xiàn)今與未來福祉的信心。

最后，我謹(jǐn)此向陳兆愷法官致意。陳法官在兩個(gè)月前剛

從終審法院退休，他服務(wù)司法機(jī)構(gòu)達(dá)26年之久，期間對(duì)法律發(fā)展及法庭工作，作出了重大貢獻(xiàn)。陳兆愷法官也是本港首名高等法院首席法官。陳法官在退任前的法庭儀式上致辭時(shí)說∶

「 正如所有同僚一樣，我只是履行了每一名擔(dān)任法官之職的人所應(yīng)完成的職務(wù)。我們肩負(fù)憲制上的職責(zé)，公平和公正地審理案件，維護(hù)法治，以及保持司法獨(dú)立。我們清楚明白，我們所作的每一個(gè)決定，不僅對(duì)法庭內(nèi)訴訟各方是重要的，同時(shí)亦會(huì)影響公眾人士對(duì)司法工作的觀感。我們必須確保每一個(gè)來到法官席前的人，都享有公平機(jī)會(huì)去提出其案情理據(jù)；在合理范圍內(nèi)我們必須耐心聆聽其所作的陳述。我們必須不斷提醒自己，無論是在庭內(nèi)或庭外，我們的言行舉止，均會(huì)深深影響公衆(zhòng)人士對(duì)法治及司法獨(dú)立的信心。這些 年來，正如我所有同僚一樣，我只是竭盡自己所能，忠于我的司法誓言。」

這段話言簡意賅地道出了法官的角色。這是今天在臺(tái)上

每一位法官所致力達(dá)到的目標(biāo)，亦是任何一個(gè)良好法律制度的基礎(chǔ)。

（以上是終審法院首席法官馬道立1月13日在2014年法律年度開啟典禮的致辭全文的中文譯本）

第二篇：香港終審法院首席法官2010法律開啟典禮致辭時(shí)間

香港終審法院首席法官2010法律開啟典禮致辭時(shí)間:2010-02-03 12:37來源:口譯網(wǎng) 作者:口譯網(wǎng) 點(diǎn)擊:744次

The following is the full text of the speech delivered by the Hon Chief Justice Andrew Kwok-nang Li at the Ceremonial Opening of the Legal Year 2010 on January 11:

以下是香港終審法院首席法官李國能1月11日在2010年法律開啟典禮上發(fā)表的致辭全文：

CJ's Speech at Ceremonial Opening of the Legal Year 2010

香港終審法院首席法官2010年法律開啟典禮致辭

Secretary for Justice, Mr Chairman, Mr President, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen，律政司司長、大律師公會(huì)主席、律師會(huì)會(huì)長、各位嘉賓：

On behalf of all my colleagues in the Judiciary, I would like to welcome all of you warmly to this Opening of the Legal Year.I thank you sincerely for your support by your presence.This is the 13th and the last address which I have the honour of giving at this event.我謹(jǐn)代表司法機(jī)構(gòu)全體人員，熱列歡迎各位蒞臨本的法律開啟典禮，并衷心感謝在座各位出席支持。本人在法律開啟典禮上致辭，實(shí)感榮幸；這是我上任以來第十三次，也是最后一次在這典禮上致辭。

This year, we are particularly honoured by the presence of a number of distinguished visitors, including Vice-President Wan Exiang of the Supreme People's Court;Mr Zhang Fusen of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference;Chief Justice Zaki Azmi of Malaysia;Chief Justice Spigelman of New South Wales and judges from various jurisdictions attending the Commercial Litigation Seminar;and the leaders of the legal profession from the Mainland, Macau, Taiwan, France, Korea and the Philippines.I would like to welcome all of them to Hong Kong and to thank them for their attendance.今年承蒙多位貴賓光臨，倍感榮幸。當(dāng)中包括最高人民法院萬鄂湘副院長；全國政協(xié)張福森常務(wù)委員；馬來西亞Zaki Azmi首席法官；新南威爾士Spigelman首席法官及來自多個(gè)司法管轄區(qū)的法官，他們行將出席在香港舉行的商業(yè)訴訟研討會(huì)；以及來自內(nèi)地、澳門、臺(tái)灣、法國、韓國及菲律賓的法律界領(lǐng)袖。我向他們表示熱烈歡迎，并感謝他們出席典禮。

Judicial Independence

司法獨(dú)立

It is now over 12 years since Hong Kong entered the new constitutional order as part of China under the principle of “one country, two systems”.During this period, judicial independence has been universally recognised and accepted to be of pivotal importance to Hong Kong.The constitutional guarantees for an independent Judiciary have been fully implemented.Further, conventions and practices which accord with judicial independence have developed.香港在“一國兩制”的新憲制秩序下回歸中國，至今已超過12年。在此期間，各方面已廣泛認(rèn)同和接受司法獨(dú)立對(duì)香港是極其重要。憲制上，對(duì)司法獨(dú)立的保證已全面落實(shí)。此外，與司法獨(dú)立相符的慣例及做法亦已形成。

It is essential to judicial independence that the process of judicial appointment should never be politicised.In our jurisdiction, it has not been politicised and I trust that it will never be.This includes the endorsement process in the Legislative Council for the most senior judicial appointments.司法任命過程絕不應(yīng)政治化，這一點(diǎn)對(duì)司法獨(dú)立，至為重要。在我們的司法管轄區(qū)，司法任命過程從不政治化，我深信日后亦會(huì)如此。立法會(huì)在同意最高級(jí)別司法人員任命的過程中，亦當(dāng)如是。

I am glad to see that the Legislative Council has adopted a procedure for dealing with endorsement which ensures that whilst enabling it to discharge its duty, the process is not politicised.I am confident that the Council will continue to deal with the process of endorsement without politicising it.我樂見立法會(huì)就考慮同意司法任命的事情上，已采納既定程序，確保其在履行職責(zé)時(shí)，過程不會(huì)政治化。我有信心，將來立法會(huì)在考慮同意司法任命的事宜時(shí)，必定會(huì)一如以往，不會(huì)讓過程政治化。

Role of the Judiciary

司法機(jī)關(guān)的角色

Each jurisdiction has its own constitutional arrangements distributing power between the executive, legislative and judicial branches and providing for the relationships between them.The arrangement for each jurisdiction reflects its own history and its own circumstances.The arrangement for one jurisdiction may not be appropriate for another.每一個(gè)司法管轄區(qū)都有各自的憲制安排，分配行政、立法與司法機(jī)關(guān)的權(quán)力，以及三者的相互關(guān)系。每一司法管轄區(qū)的安排，均反映本身的歷史背景及本身的情況。一個(gè)司法管轄區(qū)的安排，對(duì)另一管轄區(qū)而言，未必適合。

It is important for the role of the independent Judiciary in Hong Kong to be reiterated and strongly emphasised and for its role to be clearly understood.The Hong Kong's system involves checks and balances between the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary.The independent Judiciary has a vital constitutional role to ensure that the acts of the Executive and the Legislature comply fully with the Basic Law and the law and that our fundamental rights and freedoms, which are at the heart of Hong Kong's system, are fully safeguarded.對(duì)香港而言，一個(gè)獨(dú)立司法機(jī)關(guān)所擔(dān)當(dāng)?shù)慕巧氂枰灾厣昙皬?qiáng)調(diào)，并為各界清晰理解，這是很重要的。在香港的制度下，行政、立法和司法機(jī)關(guān)互相制衡。在憲制上，獨(dú)立的司法機(jī)關(guān)肩負(fù)重要任務(wù)，確保行政、立法機(jī)關(guān)的運(yùn)作完全符合《基本法》和法律的規(guī)定，以及確保市民的基本權(quán)利和自由得到充分保障。這些基本權(quán)利和自由正是香港制度的精義所在。

Everyone, including all organs of government and all public officials, are subject to and equal before the law.The Judiciary is and must be seen to be impartial.Judges resolve all disputes, whether between citizens or between citizen and government in an impartial manner.法律之前，人人平等。我們必須遵守法律，所有政府機(jī)關(guān)及全部公職人員均須如此。司法機(jī)關(guān)不單要不偏不倚，還要讓人得見我們行事是不偏不倚的。法官審理糾紛，不論是市民之間，或是市民與政府之間的糾紛，均以不偏不倚的態(tài)度作出裁決。

In dealing with cases involving the Executive or the Legislature, Judges adopt neither a confrontational approach nor an approach designed to favour them.They simply administer justice without fear or favour.So where the Executive or the Legislature is successful in a case, this is not the result of the court seeking to favour them.Equally where a judgment goes against the Executive or the Legislature, the court is not seeking to confront them.In either case, the court is simply discharging its constitutional duty of adjudicating the dispute fairly and impartially.在處理涉及行政或立法機(jī)關(guān)的案件時(shí)，法官既不采取對(duì)抗態(tài)度，亦不刻意偏袒任何一方。法官的職責(zé)是執(zhí)行司法工作，無懼無偏。若行政或立法機(jī)關(guān)勝訴，這不是因?yàn)榉ㄍビ幸馄弧Ｍ瑯?，若判行政或立法機(jī)關(guān)敗訴，也不是因?yàn)榉ㄍビ幸鈱?duì)抗。無論判決如何，法庭都只是履行憲法職能，公平公正地審理案件。

Judicial review

司法覆核

A major development in the legal landscape since 1997 has undoubtedly been the growth of judicial review.Excluding the right of abode cases, 116 applications for judicial review were filed in 2001.In 2005, the number had grown to 149.In the last few years, the number ranged from 132 in 2006 to 147 in 2008.In 2009, 144 applications were filed.自1997年以來，法律環(huán)境的其中一項(xiàng)重要發(fā)展，無疑是司法覆核案件的增加。撇除居港權(quán)案件，2001年共有116宗司法覆核申請(qǐng)，至2005年已升至149宗。過去數(shù)年，司法覆核申請(qǐng)的數(shù)目介乎2006年的132宗至2008年的147宗。2009年，入稟的司法覆核申請(qǐng)共有144宗。

This is a common phenomenon in many common law jurisdictions.I have previously explained publicly the factors which have led to it in the Hong Kong context: the growth in the volume of legislation to deal with an increasingly complex society, the enactment of the Bill of Rights and the Basic Law and the greater awareness on the part of citizens of their rights.I have also previously made clear that the court's role on judicial review is only to define the limits of legality.And that the solution to political, social and economic problems cannot be found through the legal process and can only be found through the political process.這個(gè)現(xiàn)象在許多普通法適用地區(qū)亦屬常見。我在此之前已公開?明，引致香港社會(huì)出現(xiàn)這個(gè)現(xiàn)象的因素包括：隨社會(huì)日趨復(fù)雜，法例的制定也日見繁多；還有是《人權(quán)法案》及《基本法》的制定；此外，社會(huì)各界對(duì)公民權(quán)利的意識(shí)亦日漸提高。我亦早已表明，法庭在司法覆核程序的職能，僅是厘定合法性的界限。政治、社會(huì)或經(jīng)濟(jì)問題，只能經(jīng)由政治過程，而非通過法律程序去謀求解決辦法。

It is interesting to examine the figures in the last two years.In 2008, 147 applications for judicial review were filed.Leaving aside those which had been withdrawn and those which were still pending at the end of the year, 130 applications were dealt with.Leave was granted in 66 cases and refused in 64 cases, that is, 49%.The picture for 2009 was not materially different.Of the 119 cases dealt with, leave was granted in 63 cases and refused in 56 cases, that is, 47%.過去兩年的數(shù)字值得我們探討。2008年入稟的司法覆核申請(qǐng)有147宗。除卻其后撤回及截至年底尚未判決的申請(qǐng)，已處理的個(gè)案共有130宗；其中66宗獲法庭給予許可以進(jìn)行覆核，其余64宗（即49%）則被拒絕給予許可。2009年的情況與此相去不遠(yuǎn)。在已處理的119宗司法覆核申請(qǐng)當(dāng)中，63宗獲給予許可以進(jìn)行覆核，而被法庭拒絕給予許可的有56宗（即47 %）。

So, in the past two years, a substantial number of applications for judicial review were refused at the initial leave stage because they failed to meet the threshold test of a reasonably arguable case laid down by the Court of Final Appeal in November 2007.These figures provide food for thought and the community may consider it worthwhile to reflect on them.由此可見，過去兩年有很多司法覆核申請(qǐng)，早在法律程序最初的“申請(qǐng)?jiān)S可階段”即被拒絕，原因是該等申請(qǐng)未能符合由終審法院于2007年11月所設(shè)定“合理爭(zhēng)辯的申索”的門檻。這些數(shù)字也許值得社會(huì)各界思考。

The Court of Final Appeal

終審法院

Over the last 12 years, the Court of Final Appeal has been functioning smoothly.The Court is now hearing about 40 appeals a year and dealing with about 150 applications for leave to appeal, of which about 50-60% are disposed of on the papers without a hearing.終審法院在過去12年一直運(yùn)作暢順。法院現(xiàn)時(shí)每年聆訊約40宗上訴，以及處理約150宗上訴許可申請(qǐng)，其中約有50-60%的申請(qǐng)是根據(jù)文件處理，而毋須進(jìn)行聆訊的。

The participation of one non-permanent overseas judge in the collegiate court of five judges drawn from a panel of eminent judges from Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom has worked well.Of course, as is well appreciated by the overseas judges, when they sit on the Court, they function as and only as Hong Kong judges in Hong Kong's own circumstances under “one country, two systems”.I am delighted to have on the platform today as part of our Judiciary, Sir Anthony Mason, the former Chief Justice of Australia, who has made such a signal contribution to our Court.終審法院合議庭由五位法官組成，包括一位海外的非常任法官，這做法一向運(yùn)作良好，這些海外的非常任法官是澳洲、新西蘭及英國的著名法官。當(dāng)然，來自海外的法官深明，參與終審法院的聆訊時(shí)，他們是在“一國兩制”下的香港，履行香港法官的職責(zé)，亦僅限于香港法官的職責(zé)。今天，前澳洲首席法官梅師賢爵士，以我們司法體系一員的身份，一同在臺(tái)上參與典禮，我實(shí)感高興。梅師賢爵士對(duì)終審法院，實(shí)在貢獻(xiàn)良多。

The Court is a relatively young court and we have much to learn.The Court's jurisprudence has been increasingly cited in other common law jurisdictions.I would venture to suggest that it has made good progress in establishing its stature.相對(duì)來說，終審法院仍是一個(gè)比較新的終審法院，還需進(jìn)一步累積經(jīng)驗(yàn)，但終審法院在法理方面的論述，已日漸廣為其他普通法適用地區(qū)援引。我敢說，終審法院在建立其地位的過程上，已取得良好進(jìn)展。

Planning work is proceeding on the relocation of the Court to the present Legislative Council Building.Renovation works cannot start until the Council moves and the relocation may be made in around 2014.The Building will presumably be the Court's permanent home and in order to ensure that the people of Hong Kong can be justly proud of it, we should make haste slowly in getting it ready.終審法院遷往立法會(huì)現(xiàn)址的策劃工作已經(jīng)展開，至于修建工程，則須待立法會(huì)遷出方可進(jìn)行。預(yù)計(jì)終審法院可于2014年左右搬遷，相信這會(huì)是法院的永久院址。正因如此，我們必須周詳籌劃，讓大樓設(shè)施完備，使香港市民以此為榮。

I for one shall be nostalgic for the French Mission Building where the Court spent its formative years and which holds so many memories of the challenges during my tenure.But it will be time to move on.日后，我定會(huì)懷念這座前法國外方傳道會(huì)大樓，這個(gè)地方畢竟見證了法院的成長，還載有我在任?經(jīng)歷挑戰(zhàn)的回憶。然而，我們都總是要邁步向前。

Judges

法官

The approximately 180 judges in the Judiciary have a strong collegiate spirit.In the last 12 years, we have recruited good talent from the legal profession at the magisterial, District Court and the Court of First Instance levels.I am pleased that the number joining at the higher levels has increased and that we have developed some momentum in this regard.And I am glad that we also have good judges who have the potential of advancing to higher levels.我們約有180位法官，他們秉持司法機(jī)構(gòu)的理念，同儕共事。過去12年，我們羅致法律界優(yōu)秀人材，出任裁判法院、區(qū)域法院及原訟法庭法官。我喜見有更多法律界優(yōu)秀人材出任較高級(jí)別法院法官，而且已成趨勢(shì)。同時(shí)，我亦樂見司法機(jī)構(gòu)也不乏優(yōu)秀人材，他們具備潛質(zhì)可升任較高級(jí)別法院的法官。

But whatever position the Judge occupies in the Judiciary, his or her work is essential and makes an important contribution to the administration of justice.The work of supporting staff in Judiciary administration is also important and is greatly appreciated.然而，法官無論在司法機(jī)構(gòu)身居何職，他們每一個(gè)人的工作，對(duì)秉行公正，都各有重要貢獻(xiàn)，不可或缺。此外，司法機(jī)構(gòu)政務(wù)處支援人員的工作亦屬重要，對(duì)他們的表現(xiàn)，我深表認(rèn)同。

Judges are deeply conscious of the community's high expectations of the Judiciary.It is of fundamental importance that judges should observe the highest standards of conduct.I am glad that we have developed the Guide to Judicial Conduct and have operated a proper system for dealing with complaints against judges' conduct.法官深明社會(huì)大眾對(duì)司法機(jī)構(gòu)抱有殷切的期望。法官在行為上應(yīng)當(dāng)嚴(yán)守至高標(biāo)準(zhǔn)，這點(diǎn)極為重要。我樂見司法機(jī)構(gòu)已為此訂下法官行為指引，并施行適當(dāng)機(jī)制，處理關(guān)于法官行為的投訴。

Exchanges with other Jurisdictions

與其他司法管轄區(qū)的交流

Under “one country, two systems”, it is of course important that Judges in the Mainland and Hong Kong have a mutual understanding of each other's system and the differences between them.In the last 12 years, we have made great efforts to develop this through conferences, visits, courses and the like.As the only common law jurisdiction in China under “one country, two systems”, it is equally important that Hong Kong continues to maintain its links with leading common law jurisdictions through similar activities.在“一國兩制”下，內(nèi)地與香港法官對(duì)兩地制度，以及彼此的差異都應(yīng)相互了解，這一點(diǎn)當(dāng)然重要。過去12年，我們一直致力舉辦會(huì)議、互訪及研討課程等活動(dòng)，促進(jìn)彼此交流。另一方面，香港是“一國兩制”下中國境內(nèi)唯一的普通法司法管轄區(qū)，我們透過同類交流活動(dòng)，與其他主要的普通法適用地區(qū)繼續(xù)維持聯(lián)系，亦同樣重要。

The Legal Profession

法律專業(yè)

A competent and independent legal profession is of crucial importance to our community and is indeed essential to the functioning of an independent Judiciary.Conditions in the profession are increasingly competitive.But whilst efficiency is necessary, ultimately, the practice of law cannot be treated merely as a business.It is an honourable profession with high ethical standards and with ideals of service.All lawyers should contribute their fair share to service of the profession and public service.They should also do their part to develop pro bono services which are much needed.稱職而獨(dú)立的法律專業(yè)，對(duì)香港社會(huì)至為重要，對(duì)司法機(jī)構(gòu)的獨(dú)立運(yùn)作，更是不可缺少。業(yè)內(nèi)競(jìng)爭(zhēng)日趨激烈，維持高效率固屬必需，但法律執(zhí)業(yè)始終不能僅視為商業(yè)活動(dòng)。法律專業(yè)是一門崇高的職業(yè)，執(zhí)業(yè)者必須維持高專業(yè)道德操守，并以服務(wù)社會(huì)為理想。所有律師都應(yīng)為其專業(yè)及社會(huì)，并為推動(dòng)需求殷切的義務(wù)法律服務(wù)，作出貢獻(xiàn)。

The long standing issue of higher rights of audience for solicitors has been satisfactorily resolved with the support of all stakeholders.The necessary legislation will soon be enacted and will be brought into force later this year.The Higher Rights Assessment Board to be chaired by a judge will then be established.I am confident that the Board will ensure that whilst widening the choice of advocates for users, high standards of advocacy will be maintained.律師在較高級(jí)別法院出庭發(fā)言權(quán)的問題，討論已久，現(xiàn)終能在有關(guān)各方支持下，取得令人滿意的成果。所需的法例快將制定，并將于今年稍后施行。屆時(shí)，較高級(jí)法院出庭發(fā)言權(quán)評(píng)核委員會(huì)亦會(huì)成立，將由一位法官出任主席。我有信心，委員會(huì)定能確保日后有更多出庭代訟人可供選擇，同時(shí)，庭上訟辯的高水平亦得以維持。

This issue was first raised by the Law Society well over a decade ago.Although it had taken some considerable time to settle, it has been worthwhile to take time to evolve a consensus solution.賦予律師較高級(jí)法院出庭發(fā)言權(quán)一事，早于十多年前由香港律師會(huì)首先提出，雖然最近才有定論，但最終能達(dá)成凝聚共識(shí)的解決方案，討論經(jīng)年，亦有所值。

Civil Justice Reform and Mediation

民事司法制度改革及調(diào)解

Civil Justice Reform has been a major exercise.Under the leadership of the Chief Judge of the High Court and with the support of judges and supporting staff, its implementation in April 2009 went smoothly.But it will take some time for the Reform to fully settle in.A central feature is active case management by the court.In due time, this will bring about a change of culture in the conduct of litigation which would increase cost-effectiveness and ensure expedition.Another key feature is the facilitation by the court of the settlement of disputes by encouraging parties to engage in mediation.The relevant Practice Direction came into force on 1 January.It is expected that mediated settlements satisfactory to the parties will significantly increase.A Committee chaired by the Chief Judge is monitoring the working of the reformed system.民事司法制度改革是大型的改革工作。在高等法院首席法官領(lǐng)導(dǎo)，及其他法官和支援人員協(xié)助下，民事司法制度改革已于2009年4月順利實(shí)施。然而，要完全穩(wěn)固改革后的制度，仍需要一段時(shí)間。積極的案件管理是改革的重點(diǎn)。假以時(shí)日，這將改變我們的訴訟文化，從而提高成本效益，并確保案件得以迅速處理。另一特點(diǎn)是由法庭藉鼓勵(lì)爭(zhēng)議各方采用調(diào)解來解決糾紛。有關(guān)的實(shí)務(wù)指示已于1月1日生效。通過調(diào)解而圓滿解決糾紛的個(gè)案，預(yù)期會(huì)顯著增加。至于改革后制度的運(yùn)作，現(xiàn)正由高等法院首席法官擔(dān)任主席的委員會(huì)監(jiān)察有關(guān)情況。

Access to Justice

尋求公道

As we stand at the threshold of the second decade of the 21st century, our judicial system faces the major challenge of seeking to ensure access to justice for all.The rich and the big corporations may be able to afford to litigate.Those with low income are eligible for legal aid.But the bulk of the population, including small and medium enterprises, find it difficult to afford the legal fees involved in litigation.踏入廿一世紀(jì)一○年代，本港司法制度面對(duì)的重大挑戰(zhàn)是，如何使人人均可向法院尋求公道。富有的人和大公司或能負(fù)擔(dān)訟費(fèi)，低收入人士也符合申領(lǐng)法律援助的資格，但社會(huì)上大部份人，包括中小企業(yè)，卻難以負(fù)擔(dān)訴訟所招致的法律費(fèi)用。

To maintain the Judiciary's impartiality, our Resource Centre for Unrepresented Litigants can only assist on procedure but cannot provide legal advice.There is no magic wand which can be waved to solve the problem.A number of measures are necessary to alleviate the situation, including making procedures less complex, the availability of pro bono services and the use of mediation.為保持中立公正，司法機(jī)構(gòu)的無律師代表訴訟人資源中心只能就程序事宜給予協(xié)助，并不能提供法律意見。要紓緩有關(guān)情況，不能一蹴即就，我們要采取簡化程序、提供義務(wù)法律服務(wù)及采用調(diào)解等措施，多管齊下。

Public resources are inevitably limited.But one area where they could be usefully employed is to provide citizens with the opportunity of obtaining legal advice at an early stage so that a dispute could either be avoided or resolved speedily.Everyone in the legal community should be concerned with and should contribute to meeting the challenges involved in ensuring access to justice for all.公共資源無疑有限。要公共資源用得其所，其中一個(gè)方法是為市民提供機(jī)會(huì)，好讓他們?cè)诩m紛最初階段獲得法律意見，從而使糾紛得以避免或迅速解決。要確保人人均可向法院尋求公道，當(dāng)中會(huì)涉及種種挑戰(zhàn)，法律界人士均應(yīng)責(zé)無旁貸，致力面對(duì)挑戰(zhàn)，并為此作出貢獻(xiàn)。

Conclusion

結(jié)語

Since I shall only be stepping down at the end of August, I shall not be bidding farewell now.This will be done at a farewell sitting in the Court of Final Appeal in July.我于八月底才離任，所以不在此跟各位道別，還是留待七月我在終審法院的儀式時(shí)，才與各位話別。

On this occasion, I shall only say that it has been the greatest honour of my life to serve as your Chief Justice and to be given an opportunity to contribute at this dawn of the new constitutional order of Hong Kong as part of China under “one country, two systems”.今天，我只想說：香港在“一國兩制”下回歸中國，在新憲制下，我出任香港終審法院首席法官，有機(jī)會(huì)在這新時(shí)代出一分力，是我一生的最高榮譽(yù)。

It remains for me to wish you on behalf of all my colleagues in the Judiciary good health and every happiness in the new year.Thank you.最后，我謹(jǐn)代表司法機(jī)構(gòu)全體人員，祝愿各位身體健康、新年快樂！多謝各位！

原文鏈接：http://

第三篇：香港律政司司長2010年法律開啟典禮致辭時(shí)間

香港律政司司長2010年法律開啟典禮致辭時(shí)間:2010-02-03 12:48來源:口譯網(wǎng) 作者:口譯網(wǎng) 點(diǎn)擊:859次

SJ's Speech at Ceremonial Opening of the Legal Year 2010

The following is the speech by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Wong Yan Lung, SC, at the Ceremonial Opening of the Legal Year 2010 on January 11:

以下是香港律政司司長黃仁龍資深大律師1月11日在2010年法律開啟典禮的致辭全文：

Chief Justice, Chairman of the Bar Association, President of the Law Society, Members of the Judiciary, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen，終審法院首席法官、大律師公會(huì)主席、律師會(huì)會(huì)長、司法機(jī)構(gòu)各位成員、各位嘉賓：

A very warm welcome to you all, particularly our guests from overseas and the Mainland.首先熱烈歡迎各位來賓，特別是來自海外和內(nèi)地的嘉賓，出席二〇一〇年法律開啟典禮。

As we begin a new decade, as well as a New Year, it is perhaps timely to review Hong Kong's place in a China which is now recognised as one of the great economic powers in a world which is still struggling to overcome the effects of the near collapse of its financial institutions.Almost all the analysis points to Hong Kong having an edge in our legal system: being part of China, yet having a separate and well-established legal system guarded by an independent judiciary, manned by a mature legal profession and trusted by the world.The annual Opening of the Legal Year is a fitting occasion to remind ourselves of the lynchpin of our success and to consider what more has to be done to strengthen it.新年伊始，又適逢踏入新的十年，這或是適當(dāng)時(shí)候讓我們檢視香港在國家的定位；中國現(xiàn)已被視為世界經(jīng)濟(jì)大國之一，而整個(gè)世界卻仍在奮力應(yīng)付全球金融機(jī)構(gòu)瀕臨倒閉所造成的影響。差不多所有分析都顯示，香港的法律制度仍是我們優(yōu)勢(shì)之所在∶香港是中國的一部分，但擁有獨(dú)立穩(wěn)健的法律制度，這套法制受獨(dú)立的司法機(jī)構(gòu)維護(hù)，有精明干練的法律專業(yè)人員所支持，因而深受全球信賴。法律開啟典禮提供一個(gè)適當(dāng)?shù)膱?chǎng)合，讓我們重溫香港賴以成功的基石，同時(shí)思考在那些方面我們?nèi)孕枧Γ蛊涓屿柟獭?/p>

The foundation of our legal system is judicial independence.Despite the numerous constitutional and other challenges by way of judicial review, the Government does both appreciate and insist that the Court must continue to judge independently without fear or favour.With scrutiny by an able judiciary which is trusted by all, the Government has to be and has continued to be vigilant to ensure its actions, policies and legislative proposals are compliant with the law, particularly with regard to the rights protected under the constitution.司法獨(dú)立是香港法制的基礎(chǔ)。盡管面對(duì)眾多與憲制及政府其他行為有關(guān)的司法覆核，政府明白到并且會(huì)堅(jiān)持，法院必須繼續(xù)無懼無偏地作出獨(dú)立的裁決。在健全和深受各界信賴的司法機(jī)構(gòu)的監(jiān)察下，政府務(wù)必并會(huì)一如既往地謹(jǐn)慎行事，確保政府的行為、政策及立法建議符合法律規(guī)定，特別是涉及憲法保障的權(quán)利方面。

However, I would just echo the Chief Justice's remarks that the Court should not be burdened with essentially political or economic issues, and trust that the Court's discretion on costs would be appropriately exercised so as to get that message across.不過，我亦想呼應(yīng)終審法院首席法官所提出的意見，就是不應(yīng)把本質(zhì)屬政治或經(jīng)濟(jì)問題的案件壓在法庭的肩膊。我相信法院會(huì)適當(dāng)?shù)匦惺共枚ㄔA費(fèi)的酌情權(quán)，從而把有關(guān)信息向大家傳達(dá)。

Prosecutorial independence is another important pillar in the administration of justice.After more than a decade of dedicated service as Director of Public Prosecutions(DPP), Mr Grenville Cross SC retired last October and was succeeded by Mr Ian McWalters SC.A new DPP provides an opportunity for a new look at the needs of the Prosecutions Division and how it can more effectively serve the community.As a first step, young counsel are being given more exposure to trial advocacy and sub-divisions have been streamlined to ensure greater specialisation and efficiency.獨(dú)立的檢控工作是執(zhí)行司法工作另一個(gè)重要支柱。江樂士資深大律師竭誠擔(dān)任刑事檢控專員超過十年后，于去年十月退休，并由麥偉德資深大律師接任該職。刑事檢控專員的新任命提供一個(gè)機(jī)會(huì)，讓我們可從一個(gè)新角度審視刑事檢控科的需要，并探討如何更有效地服務(wù)社會(huì)。作為第一步，我們現(xiàn)正安排更多機(jī)會(huì)讓年青的同事取得出庭訟辯的經(jīng)驗(yàn)，并已精簡各分科的職務(wù)，以確保各分科的職務(wù)更專門化和更有效率。

To increase the accessibility of legislation, the Department is also taking steps to make both the English and Chinese texts more readable and comprehensible.These include measures to simplify the language and to promote greater uniformity and consistency in its use, the adoption of a gender-neutral drafting policy and improvements to the appearance of our legislation.A feasibility study has also been commissioned on the establishment and maintenance of a verified and authenticated electronic database of Hong Kong legislation.為了使公眾更易取覽和閱讀香港法例，本司亦采取多項(xiàng)措施，令香港法例的中英文版本都更易讀易明；其中包括行文去繁就簡，用語貫徹統(tǒng)一，不以男性為用語中心的法律草擬政策及改善香港法例的版面設(shè)計(jì)等。此外，我們亦考慮設(shè)立一個(gè)香港法例電子資料庫，其內(nèi)容將予核實(shí)、認(rèn)證和不斷更新，為此我們已委聘顧問進(jìn)行可行性研究。

Expansion of Hong Kong's capacity as an international arbitration centre continues to be a prime policy objective.The Arbitration Bill, aiming at bringing the domestic arbitration regime in line with the Model Law of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law(UNCITRAL), is now before a Bills Committee of the Legislative Council.New UNCITRAL initiatives to be implemented include conferring on the Hong Kong court the power to recognise and enforce interim measures ordered by an arbitration tribunal sitting outside Hong Kong.加強(qiáng)香港作為國際仲裁中心的能力，繼續(xù)是我們主要的政策目標(biāo)。我們已將《仲裁條例草案》提交立法會(huì)的法案委員會(huì)審議。《仲裁條例草案》的目的，是使本地的仲裁制度跟聯(lián)合國國際貿(mào)易法委員會(huì)（“貿(mào)法委”）《示范法》一致。我們將會(huì)落實(shí)新的貿(mào)法委措施，包括授予香港法院權(quán)力，以承認(rèn)和執(zhí)行香港以外的仲裁庭所頒令的臨時(shí)措施。

It is encouraging to learn that the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce, which established a secretariat in Hong Kong in 2008, is making good progress.By November last year, it was administering 120 arbitrations that were conducted in the region.The number of arbitrations handled by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre in 2008 has also reached a record high of 602 cases.These figures are proof that arbitration is gaining popularity in Asia and Hong Kong is well-placed to serve as a regional hub for international arbitration.國際商會(huì)國際仲裁院于二〇〇八年在香港設(shè)立秘書處分處后，發(fā)展進(jìn)度良好，令人十分鼓舞。截至去年十一月，該秘書處分處處理的區(qū)內(nèi)仲裁個(gè)案有120宗。與此同時(shí)，香港國際仲裁中心在二〇〇八年處理了602個(gè)仲裁個(gè)案，數(shù)目亦為有紀(jì)錄以來最高。這些數(shù)據(jù)證明，仲裁在亞洲已日趨普及，而香港亦已具備條件，成為區(qū)域性的國際仲裁樞紐。

As regards promotion of mediation, I am pleased to report that the cross-sector Working Group on Mediation has completed our Report and recommendations.We are now finalising the Chinese translation, and expect to release our Report in early next month for public consultation.Meanwhile, with a view to supporting the Practice Direction on mediation just implemented, the Working Group has promulgated the Hong Kong Mediation Code, which recommends standards expected of mediators in Hong Kong and a sample Agreement to Mediate.在推廣調(diào)解服務(wù)方面，我很高興讓大家知道，跨界別調(diào)解工作小組已完成報(bào)告和建議。我們現(xiàn)正就報(bào)告的中文譯本定稿，預(yù)計(jì)可于下月初發(fā)表報(bào)告，并進(jìn)行公眾諮詢。同時(shí)，工作小組頒布了《香港調(diào)解守則》，就調(diào)解員在香港應(yīng)有的水平作出建議，并提供調(diào)解協(xié)議樣本，以配合剛實(shí)施的《調(diào)解實(shí)務(wù)指示》。

I have already written to mediation service providers to encourage them to adopt the Code and to set up a robust complaints and disciplinary process for its enforcement.In addition, the Working Group has also launched the “Mediate First” Pledge, with leading businesses vowing to mediate before litigating.A pilot project is also underway making available two community centres for use as venues for community mediation.我已去信各個(gè)調(diào)解服務(wù)提供者，鼓勵(lì)他們采用守則，并設(shè)立健全的申訴及紀(jì)律審裁程序，以執(zhí)行守則。除此之外，工作小組亦推出“調(diào)解為先承諾書”，讓各主要商業(yè)機(jī)構(gòu)承諾在展開訴訟之前會(huì)先嘗試調(diào)解。我們亦已推行試驗(yàn)計(jì)劃，提供兩個(gè)社區(qū)中心作為社區(qū)調(diào)解場(chǎng)地。

To further internationalise Hong Kong's legal services and thereby enhance Hong Kong's position as a legal service hub in the Asia Pacific, a Bill to enable solicitors to form limited liability partnerships(LLPs)is expected to be introduced to the Legislative Council within the current legislative session.為了進(jìn)一步使香港的法律服務(wù)國際化，以提升香港作為亞太區(qū)法律服務(wù)樞紐的地位，我們預(yù)計(jì)在本立法會(huì)會(huì)期內(nèi)提交條例草案，讓事務(wù)律師能夠以有限法律責(zé)任合伙模式經(jīng)營業(yè)務(wù)。

Stakeholders are being consulted on our legislative proposals, which recognise the need to strike a proper balance between limiting professional liability on the one hand and safeguarding public interests on the other.We believe LLPs would encourage small local firms to join forces to diversify their practice, and also attract more foreign law firms operating as LLPs to come to Hong Kong.我們正就立法建議征詢持份者的意見；有關(guān)建議認(rèn)同有需要在限制專業(yè)法律責(zé)任與保障公眾利益兩者間求取適當(dāng)平衡。我們相信，有限法律責(zé)任合伙模式可以鼓勵(lì)本地小型律師行共同經(jīng)營，使業(yè)務(wù)更多元化，同時(shí)亦可吸引更多采用有限法律責(zé)任合伙模式經(jīng)營的外國律師行來香港發(fā)展業(yè)務(wù)。

The Legal Practitioners(Amendment)Bill 2009 to enable solicitors to exercise higher rights of audience in the High Court and the Court of Final Appeal will resume its second reading on January 20.We expect the Bill to be enacted within the current legislative session.Under the Bill, solicitors who satisfy the eligibility requirements would be able to apply to an assessment board for higher rights of audience.《2009年法律執(zhí)業(yè)者（修訂）條例草案》旨在容許事務(wù)律師享有高等法院及終審法院出庭發(fā)言權(quán)。該條例草案將于一月二十日恢復(fù)二讀辯論，我們預(yù)期條例草案可于本立法會(huì)會(huì)期內(nèi)通過成為法例。根據(jù)該條例草案，事務(wù)律師如符合資格規(guī)定，便可向評(píng)核委員會(huì)申請(qǐng)享有較高級(jí)法院出庭發(fā)言權(quán)。

We anticipate the assessment board would be in a position to invite applications within one year after the Bill's enactment and after the necessary subsidiary legislation has been made.The public will then have a wider choice of advocates able to meet the standards required in the higher courts.我們預(yù)期，評(píng)核委員會(huì)可于條例草案制定及所需附屬法例訂立后一年內(nèi)接受申請(qǐng)。屆時(shí)公眾在找尋符合較高級(jí)法院所需訟辯水平的出庭代訟人時(shí)，便可有更多選擇。

Moving on to the Mainland legal services market, the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement has been instrumental in opening the door for Hong Kong's legal profession.However, experience in the past few years tells us that further development should be strategic and specific, both in terms of locality and measures.至于內(nèi)地法律服務(wù)市場(chǎng)方面，《內(nèi)地與香港關(guān)于建立更緊密經(jīng)貿(mào)關(guān)系的安排》已發(fā)揮重要作用，為香港的法律專業(yè)打開通往內(nèi)地的大門，但過去數(shù)年的經(jīng)驗(yàn)顯示進(jìn)一步的發(fā)展，就地區(qū)及措施兩方面而言，都需要有策略性和針對(duì)性的考慮。

Under the Supplement implemented since October 1, 2009, the criteria for forming association with Guangdong law firms and the period of pre-qualification training to be undertaken by those who passed the national judicial examination have been relaxed.The former is a pilot measure which we hope may be expanded to the rest of the Mainland if it proves effective and beneficial.根據(jù)自二〇〇九年十月一日起實(shí)施的補(bǔ)充協(xié)議，有關(guān)與廣東省律師事務(wù)所組成聯(lián)營的準(zhǔn)則和已通過國家司法考試的律師取得資格前的培訓(xùn)時(shí)間規(guī)定都已放寬。前者是“先行先試”的措施，我們希望如證實(shí)有關(guān)措施具有成效和益處，可以推展至內(nèi)地其他地區(qū)。

The Arrangement with the Mainland on Reciprocal Enforcement of Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters, which came into effect in August 2008, demonstrates the goodwill and versatility on both sides to strengthen judicial co-operation.Statistics have revealed that since 2006, about 30% of marriages registered in Hong Kong annually involved a Mainland party.At present, there is no legal mechanism to facilitate recognition and summary enforcement of matrimonial orders, raising concerns regarding the welfare of ex-spouses and children of such marriages.已于二〇〇八年八月生效的香港與內(nèi)地簽訂的《相互執(zhí)行民商事判決的安排》，充分顯示雙方在加強(qiáng)司法合作方面的誠意和多元發(fā)展能力。統(tǒng)計(jì)數(shù)字顯示，由二〇〇六年開始，每年在香港注冊(cè)的婚姻中，婚姻一方為內(nèi)地人士的約占三成。目前，我們并無法律機(jī)制可達(dá)成對(duì)有關(guān)婚姻及家事命令的承認(rèn)或以簡易程序的方式強(qiáng)制執(zhí)行這些命令，這都令人關(guān)注到跨境婚姻中的前配偶和子女的福利是否得到充夠保障。

The Department is now reviewing the relevant issues and has conducted initial discussions with the Supreme People's Court on establishing a mechanism to facilitate the mutual recognition and enforcement of matrimonial orders made by the courts.律政司現(xiàn)正檢討相關(guān)的事宜，并已就設(shè)立機(jī)制以便相互承認(rèn)和執(zhí)行法院所作出有關(guān)婚姻及家事的命令，與最高人民法院進(jìn)行初步討論。

On the related question of divorce decrees obtained outside Hong Kong, where our courts do not currently have jurisdiction to entertain applications for financial relief, we will propose a bill to amend the Matrimonial Proceedings and Property Ordinance(Chapter 192)later this year, so that the court would in certain circumstances be empowered to deal with such applications.關(guān)于在香港以外地區(qū)獲批離婚判令的相關(guān)問題，本港法院現(xiàn)時(shí)并無司法管轄權(quán)受理財(cái)政濟(jì)助的申請(qǐng)，我們會(huì)在今年稍后時(shí)間提出條例草案，以修訂《婚姻法律程序與財(cái)產(chǎn)條例》(第192章)，使法院在某些情況下獲賦權(quán)處理該等申請(qǐng)。

To maintain our status as an international city and the preferred gateway to China, we must take advantage of our unique status under the Basic Law and participate in the wider legal fraternity.For instance, as a member of the Financial Action Task Force(FATF), Hong Kong has been contributing towards the promulgation of international standards to combat money laundering and terrorism financing.Last year, the Department representing Hong Kong, China, took up a two-year appointment as co-chair of an Expert Working Group reviewing certain of the recommended legal standards, to improve their efficacy and implementation across member jurisdictions.香港既是一個(gè)國際城市，也是進(jìn)入中國的首選門廊，要維持我們的地位，我們必須善用在《基本法》下所享有的獨(dú)特優(yōu)勢(shì)，并且參與國際法律同業(yè)的事務(wù)。舉例來說，香港作為打擊清洗黑錢財(cái)務(wù)行動(dòng)特別組織（特別組織）的成員，一直致力協(xié)助制定打擊清洗黑錢及恐怖分子融資活動(dòng)的國際標(biāo)準(zhǔn)。去年，本司代表中國香港，獲委任為一個(gè)專家工作小組的聯(lián)合主席，任期兩年。該專家工作小組負(fù)責(zé)檢討建議的若干法律標(biāo)準(zhǔn)，以期提高成效和改善在各司法管轄區(qū)成員的實(shí)施情況。

International co-operation, particularly in the form of multilateral treaties, presents challenges.One example is the increase of claims under what is known as the UN Convention Against Torture.I am pleased to learn that a Memorandum of Administrative Arrangements with the Duty Lawyer Service was concluded just before Christmas to enable screening of claims to resume in compliance with the legal requirements.After receiving the training organised by the profession, over 220 lawyers have been accredited by the Service to provide legal representation to claimants.I would like to express my gratitude to the legal profession for their assistance in this difficult situation.參與國際間的合作，特別是多邊條約形式的合作，也帶來挑戰(zhàn)。舉例來說，根據(jù)《聯(lián)合國禁止酷刑公約》提出的聲請(qǐng)有所增加。我很高興得悉剛在圣誕節(jié)之前，我們與當(dāng)值律師服務(wù)簽訂了行政安排備忘錄，使我們能夠按照有關(guān)法律的要求，恢復(fù)進(jìn)行審核聲請(qǐng)的工作。在接受業(yè)界舉辦的培訓(xùn)后，有超過220名律師已獲當(dāng)值律師服務(wù)認(rèn)可，可以擔(dān)任聲請(qǐng)人的法律代表。對(duì)于法律專業(yè)在這個(gè)困難問題上所提供的協(xié)助，我深表謝意。

The pursuit of economic progress and integration with the Mainland can and should be undertaken without compromising the “One Country, Two Systems” principle.Amidst rapid changes globally and ever increasing economic integration and social interaction with the Mainland, there is no room for indifference or inertia.Hong Kong must embrace these challenges.謀求經(jīng)濟(jì)發(fā)展和與內(nèi)地融合，可以并且應(yīng)該在不損害“一國兩制”原則的情況下進(jìn)行。全球急劇轉(zhuǎn)變，香港與內(nèi)地之間的經(jīng)濟(jì)融合和社會(huì)交流日趨緊密，在這形勢(shì)下，香港不可能固步自封，停滯不前。我們必須奮力迎接這些挑戰(zhàn)。

I should like to conclude by expressing our deep gratitude to the Chief Justice for his historic role in the successful implementation of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle and in the establishment of the Court of Final Appeal.With the impressive legal talent which he has recruited into the judiciary over the years, we have every confidence that our judges led by the new Chief Justice will continue to serve Hong Kong staunchly in the protection of the rule of law.最后，我謹(jǐn)向終審法院首席法官致以最衷心的謝意，他在成功落實(shí)“一國兩制”原則及設(shè)立終審法院這些歷史性任務(wù)上居功至偉。多年來，他為司法機(jī)構(gòu)物色了不少能干的法律人才，我們深信，新任終審法院首席法官定能領(lǐng)導(dǎo)我們的司法群英繼續(xù)堅(jiān)決捍衛(wèi)香港的法治。

It only remains for me to wish you all good health and a happy new year.最后，我謹(jǐn)祝各位身體健康，新年快樂。

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