What is the core duty of Hong Kong solicitors regarding the rule of law?

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The Core Duty of Hong Kong Solicitors Regarding the Rule of Law is to Uphold It as a Public Duty

Hong Kong's former chief judge, Geoffrey Ma, has urged solicitors to continue speaking up for the rule of law, asserting that this is their fundamental public duty. He clarified that this commitment is not political but is rooted in the law itself and its spirit, extending to the independence of the judiciary. This principle mandates that judges must perform their duties without fear, favour, bias, or self-interest, ensuring fairness and equality before the law, which are the defining qualities of justice.
Upholding the Rule of Law is a Public Duty

Geoffrey Ma, who served as Hong Kong's chief justice for a decade, articulated that solicitors' primary obligations are to justice and its administration. He stressed that supporting the rule of law is paramount among these duties. Ma posited that the rule of law is not inherently a political concept but is founded upon the legal framework and its underlying spirit.
Judicial Independence is Integral to the Rule of Law

The independence of the judiciary was highlighted by Ma as a crucial facet of the rule of law, and like the rule of law itself, it is not a political concept. This independence ensures that judges can execute their responsibilities impartially, free from any external pressures such as fear, favour, bias, or personal gain. The principles of fairness and equality before the law are the essential characteristics that define justice within this system.
The Law Society's Role in Safeguarding Legal Standards

The Law Society, as the professional and regulatory body for Hong Kong's legal sector, plays a significant role in overseeing legal changes and has a voice in the appointment of judges and lawyers to government advisory committees. Historically, the Law Society has been active in supporting and advocating for the rule of law when circumstances have required it. This watchdog function is vital for maintaining the integrity of the legal system.

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What is the core duty of Hong Kong solicitors regarding the rule of law?

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