Non-Permanent Judge of CFA Nicholas Addison Phillips not to renew his term

The judiciary announced that Nicholas Addison Phillips, Non-Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal, will not renew his term for personal reasons, which ends today (Sept. 30).

Lord Phillips was appointed as a Non-Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal on Oct. 1, 2012, and has completed four terms, totaling 12 years.

The judiciary expressed gratitude for his significant contributions to the Court of Final Appeal over the years and his support for the rule of law in Hong Kong. It noted that in recent years, several Non-Permanent Judges have stepped down, but the vast majority of judges have publicly reaffirmed their confidence in Hong Kong's independent judicial system and the courts' commitment to upholding the rule of law.

The judiciary emphasized that the number of appeal cases at the Court of Final Appeal has remained stable, and recent personnel changes will not affect its operations.

The judiciary further indicated that after his term ends, there will be a total of 10 Non-Permanent Judges at the Court, including four Non-Permanent Judges from Hong Kong and six from the UK and Australia.

The judiciary will continue to seek suitable candidates both locally and overseas for the position of Non-Permanent Judge. If suitable candidates are found, judicial appointments will be handled according to the established mechanisms outlined in the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Ordinance.

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