Former Canadian Supreme Court Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin extended her three-year appointment with a commercial court in Singapore 140 days before resigning from Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal [522b457c]. McLachlin cited a desire to spend more time with family as the reason for her departure [522b457c]. Her resignation came shortly after two other overseas judges announced their departure from the court [522b457c]. In a statement, McLachlin expressed confidence in the members of the Court and their commitment to upholding the rule of law [522b457c].
The presence of international, non-permanent judges on Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal has historically added credibility to the city's common law legal tradition [522b457c]. However, an NGO recently called on foreign judges to step down, claiming that their presence lent legitimacy to Beijing's crackdown on political freedoms in Hong Kong [522b457c]. McLachlin's resignation also followed criticism of the judiciary and the national security law in Hong Kong by outgoing British judge Jonathan Sumption [522b457c].
McLachlin, who recently turned 80, did not respond to requests for comment [522b457c]. However, in December of the previous year, she had praised the Hong Kong court for its role in protecting rights [522b457c].
Lord Neuberger, a retired head of the UK Supreme Court, is presiding over a test case against a pro-democracy politician and a jailed newspaper owner in Hong Kong [be83dd36]. Lord Neuberger, along with two other British judges, remains on the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal [be83dd36]. Lord Sumption recently resigned, criticizing Hong Kong's new national security laws [be83dd36]. Lord Neuberger has stated that he will continue to serve on the Hong Kong court to promote the rule of law [be83dd36].
Chief Justice Alan Blow AO will retire from the role of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Tasmania by the end of 2024 [3848c431]. He has served as Chief Justice since April 2013 and was first appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court in 2000 [3848c431]. The retirement is in line with the requirements of the Supreme Court Act 1887, which mandates retirement at the age of 75 [3848c431]. The Attorney General and Justice Minister Guy Barnett praised Justice Blow's significant contribution to Tasmania's legal system and thanked him for his service [3848c431]. An expressions of interest process to fill the vacancy will be open until July 26, 2024 [3848c431]. The replacement will be pivotal in ensuring ongoing success for the state's top court [3848c431]. To be eligible, a person must be an Australian lawyer with more than 10 years' experience. Magistrates and judges from other jurisdictions are also eligible. All current permanent justices will be considered for the role [3848c431].
The Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has paid tribute to the late Judge Elizabeth MacGrath, the District Judge in Tipperary, who sadly passed away on Wednesday [7a422e0c]. Judge MacGrath had served as District Judge in Tipperary since 2012 and had been appointed to the bench in 2007 [7a422e0c]. The Minister expressed her condolences to Judge MacGrath's husband, family, and friends [7a422e0c].