header-logo header-logo

06 December 2024 / Dr Ping-fat Sze
Issue: 8097 / Categories: Features , Profession , International , Criminal
printer mail-detail

Prosecutorial decisions in Hong Kong: Pt 2

200298
Dr Ping-fat Sze examines the reviewability of prosecutorial decisions, & the effect on access to justice
  • Examines the relevant case law, maintaining that undue weight has been given to a 2003 decision in the Fijian Supreme Court.

In England and Wales, it is settled that, apart from fraud or corruption, a prosecutorial decision is reviewable on the ground that the relevant law was misunderstood or misapplied, or relevant matters were not considered properly, or irrelevant matters were taken into consideration, or the decision was made contrary to the evidence or in disregard of the prosecution policy (see, for example, the ‘Judicial Review of CPS Prosecuting Decisions (Appeals)’, issued by the Crown Prosecution Service).

Despite repeated claims that the English law and practice should be followed in this area, surprisingly, the courts in Hong Kong are indisposed to review prosecutorial decisions unless they were made dishonestly, in bad faith or according to political instruction (see ‘Prosecutorial decisions in Hong Kong: getting it wrong?NLJ,

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Weightmans—Jason Slatcher

Weightmans—Jason Slatcher

Weightmans appoint new Chief Technology Officer

Mishcon de Reya—trainees

Mishcon de Reya—trainees

Mishcon de Reya announces trainee retention rate of 86%

Sackers—Charlotte Adams & Fraser Sutton

Sackers—Charlotte Adams & Fraser Sutton

Sackers welcomes two new Graduate Solicitor Apprentices

NEWS
LexisNexis will mark the 80th anniversary of Shawcross and Beaumont on Air Law with a live podcast exploring the evolution of aviation law from the Chicago Convention to the challenges facing modern aerospace, taking place on Tuesday 29 September
Harmony Christian Ministries is the latest charity to benefit from a £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
Indemnity costs remain exceptional, but parties cannot ignore a case that deteriorates around them. In Lawrence v Associated Newspapers, Mr Justice Nicklin ordered the claimants to pay indemnity costs after finding their conduct, viewed cumulatively, fell ‘well outside the norm’
Public law is in flux following reversals and robust appellate intervention, according to the latest public law update by the team at HSFK for NLJ
Neurotechnology is turning the human mind into an operational domain, exposing gaps in the laws of war
back-to-top-scroll