This is not for CLE. Live committee programs are free and open to the public. The recorded program is exclusively for ABA members. Not an ABA member? Join now and get the benefits of membership.
SLD International Committee Meeting
Judicial Independence in Hong Kong
Discover the critical role of judicial independence and how it affects equal law application, checks and balances, and the prevention of extra-legal resolutions. Join the Senior Lawyers Section for a captivating one-hour discussion featuring the ABA ROLI's Judicial Independence Monitor toolkit, which expertly assesses vulnerabilities in internal and external independence, as well as transparency. Delve into the intriguing findings of the Bar Human Rights Committee's assessment of Hong Kong's judiciary, where issues like the National Security Law and centralization of authority pose unique challenges. Gain insight from a Hong Kong legal expert and engage in a dynamic Q&A session following the panel discussion. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the complexities of judicial independence and its global implications.
Speakers:
Dennis Kwok, former LegCo member representing the Legal Sector in HK, Partner Elliott, Kwok, Levine & Jaroslaw LLP https://www.ekljlaw.com/attorneys/dennis-kwok/
Scott Carlson, Associate Executive Director, Global ABA Programs
Elizabeth Donkervoort, Program Director, ABA Center for Global Programs
Links of Interest
Judicial Independence Monitor: https://www.americanbar.org/advocacy/rule_of_law/newsroom_events/general_news/news-roli-judicial-independence-monitor-toolkit-1222/
BHRC Hong Kong Report: https://barhumanrights.org.uk/bhrc-publishes-new-report-on-judicial-independence-in-hong-kong-sar-applying-aba-judicial-monitor-toolkit/
CSRI Launch Report: https://www.csri.global/launch-report
Xi's National Security Agenda: https://www.csri.global/research/xis-national-security-agenda-how-can-governments-and-businesses-de-risk
Read the statement of ABA President Deborah Enix-Ross on Arrest warrants and bounties on Hong Kong lawyers
WASHINGTON, July 17, 2023 — The American Bar Association remains strongly opposed to the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) and the threat it poses to human rights and fundamental freedoms.
In the latest application of this law, Hong Kong police accused eight self-exiled pro-democracy activists living overseas, including lawyers Kevin Yam and Dennis Kwok, of violating the law and offered rewards of 1 million Hong Kong dollars ($127,600) each for information leading to their arrests. These individuals are vocal supporters of democracy, rule of law and judicial independence in Hong Kong.
Read more