The Chief Justice, Geoffrey Ma, speaking at the beginning of the legal year. He spoke to reporters afterwards. Photo: RTHK
The Chief Justice, Geoffrey Ma, says he hopes politics is playing no part in the introduction of a new, unified exam for lawyers.
The Law Society is pushing ahead with its own qualifying exam, the Common Entrance Examination, for solicitors, effectively replacing the existing entry exam, the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws, or PCLL. That's now run by three local law schools.
The move drew strong opposition from the Bar Association and the Hong Kong University's Law School.
Speaking to reporters after a ceremony to mark the beginning of the legal year, Justice Ma said what matters most is maintaining high standards in the legal profession.
“What is important is the public interest,” he said. “There is a public interest in the standard of lawyers. They have a duty, not so much to the court, but a duty to ensure that the courts arrive at just results.”
Justice Ma said if the CEE improved the quality of lawyers, it would be a step in the right direction. But that it was important for all stakeholders to be consulted with a view to improvement.
http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1234990-20160111.htm
