Hong Kong Bar Association and CUHK Law Host Joint Symposium on Jury Trials
Thestandard · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Hong Kong Bar Association and the Faculty of Law at The Chinese University of Hong Kong co-hosted a symposium exploring the pivotal role of jury trials in maintaining public trust within the criminal justice system. Addressing at the event, HKBA chairman Jose Maurellet emphasized that the jury system—deeply rooted in common law and protected under the Basic Law—is fundamental to a mature legal order. The symposium brought together a global lineup of legal experts and academics to foster constructive dialogue on the administration of justice.
Key Points
- HKBA chairman Jose Maurellet stated that "the judge is master of the law; the jury represents the community's presence in the findings of fact; neither is diminished by the other"
- Maurellet cited New Zealand Law Commission findings on the importance of actual and perceived impartiality, noting "Perception is not the enemy of justice. Quite the contrary"
- He referenced public opinion data from England and Wales showing 84 percent of respondents in one survey expressed trust in juries to deliver correct verdicts
- The symposium was chaired by CUHK Faculty of Law honorary visiting professor Jeremy Dein and featured international legal experts attending both in person and virtually
- The HKBA expressed gratitude to CUHK LAW for partnering to organize the event and fostering constructive dialogue on the administration of justice
Why It Matters
The symposium underscores the ongoing relevance of jury trials as a cornerstone of Hong Kong's common law tradition, which remains protected under the Basic Law. The discussion of both actual and perceived impartiality reflects broader concerns about public confidence in judicial outcomes. This event demonstrates Hong Kong's commitment to engaging international expertise in strengthening trust in its criminal justice system .
The symposium underscores the ongoing relevance of jury trials as a cornerstone of Hong Kong's common law tradition, which remains protected under the Basic Law. The discussion of both actual and perceived impartiality reflects broader concerns about public confidence in judicial outcomes. This event demonstrates Hong Kong's commitment to engaging international expertise in strengthening trust in its criminal justice system .