FDC from Hongkong／FDC du Hongkong

Judiciary





"The Judiciary is a cornerstone of our society. Its mission is to maintain an independent and effective judicial system which upholds the rule of law, safeguards the rights and freedoms of the individual, and commands confidence within and outside Hong Kong.

This set of four stamps is issued to pay tribute to the Judiciary. Each stamp features a familiar symbol of the Judiciary:

$1.40 Stamp – The Statue of Justice
The Statue of Justice, represented by the Greek goddess Themis, holds a sword in one hand and scales in the other. The scales represent the impartiality with which justice is served and the sword symbolises the power that is held by those making the decision. The statue is blindfolded to show that justice is not subject to influence. The Statue is located at the Old Supreme Court (it is where the Legislative Council Chambers has been housed since 1985).

$2.40 Stamp – The Court of Final Appeal
The Court of Final Appeal is the final appellate court in Hong Kong. It was established on 1 July 1997 pursuant to the Basic Law. It hears appeals on civil and criminal matters from the High Court, and may confirm, reverse or vary the decision of the lower courts. The Court of Final Appeal is headed by the Chief Justice, who is the President of the court. The Court of Final Appeal is the former French Mission Building, which was occupied successively by the Education Department headquarters, the Victoria District Court, the Supreme Court, and the Information Services Department. It is one of the declared monuments in Hong Kong.

$3 Stamp – Judicial Robes
Judicial robes, including wigs, are a uniform that underlines the dignity and impartiality of the judicial process. The design of Judges’ robes remains the same after Hong Kong’s change of sovereignty in 1997. In the case of the Court of Final Appeal established on 1 July 1997, new judicial robes had to be designed. Judicial robes are regarded by many as a distinctive symbol of the continuation of the common law in Hong Kong. The stamp presents the judicial attire for different courts, namely (from left to right), the Court of Final Appeal, the Magistrates’ Courts, the District Court (for criminal cases) and the Court of First Instance of the High Court (for criminal cases).

$5 Stamp – The Chief Justice’s Mace
The Mace is a ceremonial staff that symbolises the office of the Chief Justice and the institution of the independent Judiciary upholding the rule of law. Since 1 July 1997, the emblem of the HKSAR has replaced the crown at the top of the staff. Each January, the Judiciary organizes the Ceremonial Opening of the Legal Year to focus public attention on the rule of law and the administration of justice. At the Ceremonial Opening, the Mace is carried by a mace-bearer preceding the Chief Justice."-Hong Kong Post