Who is responsible for the appointment of judges in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region?

The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is responsible for the appointment of judges, as specified in the Basic Law. This authority is outlined in Article 92 of the Basic Law, which states that judges of the courts of the HKSAR are to be appointed by the Chief Executive on the recommendation of an independent commission.

This system establishes a degree of separation between the executive branch and the judiciary while also ensuring that the process involves a level of oversight and recommendation from a commission dedicated to judicial appointments. Consequently, while the Chief Executive ultimately makes the appointments, the process is structured to support the independence and integrity of Hong Kong's judiciary.

This aligns with the principles established by the Basic Law to uphold the rule of law and an independent judiciary, which are vital components of the legal system in Hong Kong. Other options listed, such as the National People's Congress, Legislative Council, and the Judiciary, do not have the designated authority to appoint judges in the HKSAR, thus reinforcing the role of the Chief Executive in this critical aspect of governance.