香港终审法院首席法官马道立2020演讲致辞（中英文对照）

2020年1月13日下午 ，2020年香港法律年度开启典礼在中环大会堂举行。香港终审法院首席法官马道立发表了演辞（演讲致辞）。

超律志独家整理了中英文对照版，全文7000多字，供法律人学习。文章篇幅较长，但具有较高的学习价值。致辞内容涉及到了基本法，人权法案以及香港的刑事司法制度。本文仅供学习与分享。

背景介绍

马道立：香港终审法院首席法官。

马道立法官于2000年11月被委任为高等法院原讼法庭特委法官，并于2001年12月被委任为原讼法庭法官，聆讯案件遍及民事法律的不同范畴；2002年11月被委任为高等法院上诉法庭法官，负责聆讯刑事及民事上诉；2003年7月被委任为高等法院首席法官，主管高等法院的司法及行政事务。

马道立于2010年9月1日正式履新，接替李国能成为特区终审法院第二任首席法官。

香港特区终审法院首席法官是终审法院审判庭庭长，同时亦是司法机构之首，负责司法机构的行政管理工作，以及执行各项法定权力及职能。

2021年1月11日，马道立法官将于年届65岁法定退休年龄时退休。这次演讲是其退休前最后一次在法律年度开启典礼的致辞。

Secretary for Justice, Chairman of the Bar, President of the Law Society, fellow Judges, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

律政司司长、大律师公会主席、律师会会长、各位法官、各位尊贵的嘉宾、女士们、先生们：

On behalf of the Judiciary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I extend a warm welcome to everyone to this year's Opening of the Legal Year. I am grateful for the opportunity to address you>

我谨代表香港特别行政区司法机构热烈欢迎各位出席法律年度开启典礼。我感谢有机会在此向各位致辞，特别有见于过去七个月社会上一些关系到每个人的事情。

Many questions have been raised regarding the Judiciary, many commentaries have been given as to the work of the courts and many views have been expressed regarding our judges. A lot of these have been fair, but unfortunately, some have proceeded>

社会就着司法机构提出了不少问题，对法庭的工作作出了不少评论，亦就我们的法官表达了不少意见。这当中很多都是中肯的，但遗憾的是，有部分是建基于错误的观念和出于误解，并对法律和法制应有的客观和恰当概念有所曲解。有些甚至近乎不能接受。

Given the importance of the rule of law in the community, I would like to say something this evening about the concept of justice, the operation of Hong Kong's legal system, and the duties and responsibilities placed>

鉴于法治对社会的重要，我想在此阐述一下公义这个概念，香港法律制度的运作，以及法庭和法官肩负的职责。许多错误观念和误解源于部分司法裁决不合一些人的心意。

超律志备注：

justice：一种被普遍认为适用法律原则于事实所应达到之目标的道德价值，是衡量和评价法律及某种行为正确性的标准。它的含义非常复杂，几千年来也一直处于争论和变化之中，但它最基本的意思还是恰当地实施法律，给予某人以应得的东西，以及对纠纷一贯地、连续地作出类似的处理等。常见的分类有交换正义〔commutative justice〕、分配正义〔distributive justice〕和社会正义〔social justice〕等。　

I have said>

我曾多次指出，人人均有权就法庭的工作表达意见，而我们亦不应期望每宗案件的裁决都备受赞同。然而，当有人纯粹因为不满案件的裁决结果而作出各种抨击，指法庭并非公正无偏，法律制度并非完善健全，又或针对法官作出极为冒犯的人身攻击，便有需要向社会大众阐明法律如何运作，以正视听。

超律志备注：

integrity：正直；诚实；廉洁　用以指官员、受托人等的品性，与「probity」、「honesty」、「uprightness」同义。

impartiality：公正　通常认为是法官和执法者所应具备的素质：平等地对待争议的各方当事人，对所有人平等地、公正地适用法律，没有偏见和偏袒。

The rule of law is often said to be a core value in Hong Kong and a cornerstone of its success. In order to embrace this concept, it is important to understand how the law operates and is expected to operate.

法治经常被认为是香港的核心价值，是香港赖以成功的基石。全然接受这个概念，就必须明白法律如何运作，以及它应当如何运作。

I start with the concept of justice.This is often discussed as an intangible ideal but I wish to discuss the practical meaning of this.

我先从公义这个概念说起。公义经常被视为难以捉摸的理想，但我想讨论的是公义的实际意义。

The Basic Law provides us with clear guidance as to what the law means to every person. It provides protection by setting out rights that enable a community to thrive, to allow members of society to live with>dignity and to enable members of the community to provide for themselves and their loved>

《基本法》为我们提供了明确的指引，说明法律对每一个人的意义所在；它藉当中订明的各项权利，提供保障。凭借这些权利，社会得以繁荣发展，市民得以和谐共处、有尊严地生活，社会大众亦得以为个人及亲人的生活作安排。

The rights set out in the Basic Law and in our Bill of Rights (which is given constitutional backing by the Basic Law) include the freedom of speech, the freedom of association, of assembly, of procession and of demonstration. We have seen these freedoms much exercised in the past seven months. But it is important to understand that the enjoyment of these rights has limits so as not to affect adversely to an unacceptable level the enjoyment by other members of their community of their rights and liberties. I have previously referred to this as a respect for other people's rights.

《基本法》及得到《基本法》给予宪制确认的《人权法案》列明的权利包括：言论自由，结社、集会、游行和示威的自由。过去七个月，我们看到许多行使这些自由的情况。然而，为使社会上其他人的权利和自由不会受到不可接受的影响，行使这些权利需要有限制。明白这一点是重要的；我过往称这为对他人权利的尊重。

Accordingly, we see clear limits in the law to the exercise of rights. The enjoyment or insistence>

因此，法律对权利的行使有明确限制。享用或坚持个人权利，举例说，不能成为损害他人人身安全或财产，或使用暴力的借口。有关的限制从我们的刑事法可见一斑。法院在案件的情况有需要时，会全面及合适地执行此等刑事法。

The freedom of speech (called the freedom of opinion and expression in the Bill of Rights) states that the rights associated with this freedom carry with them special duties and responsibilities. Their exercise can therefore be restricted, for example, where necessary to respect the rights and reputations of others. The right of peaceful assembly is recognised but are limited in the same way as the freedom of speech. So too the freedom of association.

言论自由（《人权法案》称为意见和发表的自由）的条文清楚说明相关的权利附有特别的责任及义务。因此，有必要时可对此等权利的行使予以规限，例如为了尊重他人的权利和名誉的缘故。和平集会的权利在得到确认的同时，也与言论自由一样受到限制。结社自由亦然。

超律志备注：

association：结社；社团；协会；联盟　为共同的合法利益、特别的目标或商业目的的联合。英文中该词还可指通过这种联合方式组成的联合体。这种联合体一般是契约性质的，由其财产受托人持有共有财产，并由代表进行诉讼活动。这类社团一般视为不享有法人地位。

Therefore, the enjoyment of rights and freedoms also carries with it responsibilities and it is simply not right to think that other people's rights - or even the rights of the community as a whole - should somehow be regarded as less important than>

由此可见，享用权利及自由亦同时附有责任，而认为他人的权利－－甚或整体社会的权利－－总不及个人权利重要这个想法并不正确。认同上述权利及责任是我称为公义的概念的重点所在。

The administration of justice - or the practical way in which justice is dispensed in the day-to-day work of the courts - has as its central characteristic the requirement of a fair trial. Trials involve serious consequences. In the civil sphere, there may be significant personal or financial consequences arising from judgments of the court. In the criminal context, there are potentially extremely serious consequences if terms of imprisonment are imposed after conviction. A fair trial accordingly becomes essential. This is the fundamental requirement of the administration of justice and is reflected in the Basic Law. Article 87 of the Basic Law states that any person who is lawfully arrested shall have the right to a fair trial. Article 10 of the Bill of Rights reflects this by stating in terms that in "the determination of any criminal charge ... or of ... rights and obligations in a suit of law, everyone shall be entitled to a fair and public hearing".

履行公义－－或说是法院日常处理司法工作的方式－－有一个关键的要素，就是审判必须公平公正，因为审判可带来严重后果。民事诉讼方面，法院的判决或会对个人产生重大影响或带来重大经济后果。刑事案方面，被告在定罪后如被判处监禁，后果可能极为严重。因此，公正审判至关重要。这是履行公义的基本要求，亦载于《基本法》。《基本法》第八十七条订明，任何人在被合法拘捕后，享有接受公正审判的权利。《人权法案》第十条也反映了这项基本要求；该条订明：「任何人受刑事控告或因其权利义务涉讼须予判定时，应有权受法庭公正公开审问」。

超律志备注：

determination：(1)(法院的)裁判；判决　可指终局性的判决。对初审法院作出的此种判决可以上诉。　(2)(行政机关的)裁决；决定　(3)(地产权、财产利益、权利、权力等的)终止　

There are many facets of a fair trial. I would like to draw attention to four such facets which have particular relevance in criminal proceedings:

公正审判具有多个层面。在此，我想集中讨论与刑事法律程序尤其相关的其中四项：

(1) First, the presumption of innocence. This is protected by Article 87 of the Basic Law which I have already referred to. This states not>

第一，无罪假定。这项权利受到前述《基本法》第八十七条的保障。该条文不但订明任何人都享有接受公正审判的权利，而且规定未经判罪之前均假定无罪。《人权法案》在第十一条第（一）项亦申明这项权利。这是我们刑事法的重要基础。

超律志备注：

这有点类似于我国《刑事诉讼法》规定的“无罪推定“原则。我国《刑事诉讼法》第十二条规定：

第十二条 未经人民法院依法判决，对任何人都不得确定有罪。

(2) Secondly, Article 11(2)(b) of the Bill of Rights states that anyone charged with a criminal offence will be entitled to have adequate time and facilities for the preparation of his or her defence.

第二，《人权法案》第十一条第（二）项（乙）款订明，任何受刑事控告之人，有权获给予充分之时间及便利准备答辩。

(3) Thirdly, every person charged with a criminal offence is also entitled to be tried without delay. This is required by Article 87 of the Basic Law and repeated in Article 11(2)(c) of the Bill of Rights. This means that criminal trials ought to take place as quickly as practicable.

第三，任何受刑事控告之人，亦有权尽早接受审判。这是《基本法》第八十七条的规定，而《人权法案》第十一条第（二）项（丙）款亦有申明。这表示刑事审讯应在切实可行的范围内尽早进行。

(4) Fourthly, every person convicted of a crime shall have the right to appeal both conviction and sentence. The prosecution may also appeal.

第四，凡被定罪者，有权就定罪及刑罚提出上诉。控方亦可提出上诉。

The central requirement of a fair trial and its manifestations which I have just set out should firmly be borne in mind when viewing the activities of the courts in the light of recent events. Views have been expressed, sometimes even criticisms, along the lines that there appear to be delays in the handling by the courts of cases that come before them. As I have said many times, anyone is entitled to make criticisms and comments about the work of the courts and such are to be welcomed if improvements in the administration of justice can be made, but they must be>

当我们因近期社会事件审视法院的工作时，应牢记刚才谈到的公正审判的核心要求及其体现。有意见，甚或批评指法院处理案件出现延误。正如我之前多次重申，任何人都有权批评或评论法院的工作，而有助完善司法工作的批评和评论更是值得欢迎；不过，批评和评论必须有理可据。就与近期社会事件有关的案件而言，我们必须紧记公正审判的宪制要求，以及我较早前讲述关于公正审判的各个层面。

In a criminal case setting, the fairness of a trial means fairness to all sides, both to the prosecution and to the defence. In the vast majority - and I stress the words "vast majority" - of cases related to recent events when they first go before the courts after arrests have been made and charges have been laid, the prosecution will request for time (often amounting to several weeks if not more) in order to gather evidence, obtain legal advice from the Department of Justice as to the appropriateness of the charge laid and then to decide the appropriate level of court to try the charge, whether the Magistrates' Courts, the District Court or the Court of First Instance. At this stage, no pleas are taken and out of fairness to the prosecution, it will be allowed time to prepare its case. Once it has done so, all relevant prosecution materials will then be provided to the accused person who must also be afforded adequate time to consider and prepare his or her defence. When both the prosecution and the defence are more or less prepared, pleas are then taken and, if charges are contested, a trial date is fixed in the chosen level of court. As early a date for trial as is practicable is then given.

就刑事案件而言，公正审判是指对诉讼各方，无论是控方还是辩方，皆公平公正。绝大多数－－我必须强调是「绝大多数」－－与近期社会事件有关的案件，在拘捕及落案起诉被告人后的首次法庭聆讯，控方都会请求法庭给予时间（通常长达数周，甚至需要更长时间）以便搜集证据，向律政司就控罪是否合适索取法律意见，然后决定裁判法院、区域法院还是原讼法庭才是适当的法院级别就控罪进行审讯。在这个阶段，法庭不会听取被告人的答辩；而为对控方公平起见，法庭会给控方时间为案件做准备。控方一旦准备妥当，便会提供所有相关的检控资料给被告人；而被告人亦必须获给予充足的时间考虑及准备其辩护。当控辩双方均大致做好准备，案件便会进行答辩；如果被告人不认罪，案件就会在选定的法院级别编定审讯日期。法庭会在实际可行的情况下安排最早的日期进行审讯。

All the aspects of a fair trial that I have referred to earlier are relevant when dealing with recent cases, as they are in every criminal case dealt with in our courts. The court will at all times ensure that a fair trial takes place. And when accused persons have to wait for trial, the question of bail arises and in this context, the law is clear. Bail is normally to be granted unless some exceptions apply such as the risk of flight or the risk of witness tampering. This is entirely consistent with the presumption of innocence. The approach of the courts is not to presume an accused guilty; constitutional principles mandate the opposite.

我刚才述及公正审判的各项要点，对于处理近期案件是相关的，与法院处理每一宗刑事案件的情况无异。法庭不论何时都会确保审判公平公正。而如果被告人需等候聆讯，便会出现是否准予保释的问题。这方面的法例十分明确：除非案件涉及某些特殊情况，例如存在弃保潜逃或干扰证人的风险，否则法庭一般会准予保释。这做法与无罪推定的原则完全一致。法庭处理案件时并不会假定被告人有罪；恰恰相反，法庭会假定被告人无罪，这是宪制上所规定的原则。

超律志备注：

这与我国《刑事诉讼法》的取保候审制度有显著区别。该制度的适用有严格的适用条件，但在香港，假释是一般，逮捕是例外。司法制度的不同，可见一斑。

Where persons are convicted of crimes, the question of sentencing then arises. This is also an exercise based>

如果被告人被定罪，接下来便是量刑的问题。量刑同样是基于个别案件的情况而应用相关的法律原则的工作，绝不得任意判决。这方面的法律原则包括参照法庭－－尤其是上诉法庭－－订立的量刑指引，以及适当地顾及惩罚、阻吓、预防和更生这些考虑因素。与法院处理的其他工作一样，量刑需要小心应用相关的法例及法律原则。

超律志备注：

sentence：(1)刑事判决　法院正式宣告对已作有罪答辩或已被定罪的刑事被告人所判处的刑罚的判决。　(2)(判决所确定的)刑罚　在英美刑法上，刑事判决可判处的刑罚包括监禁刑、缓刑〔probation〕和罚金刑，在美国还包括死刑和暂缓监禁〔suspended sentence〕。　(3)　〈英〉(教会法)判决　相当于民事诉讼中的判决〔judgment〕。

And after the outcome of a criminal trial, if either the defence or prosecution is dissatisfied with the result, there is the availability of an appeal in accordance with the law.

刑事审判得出结果后，控辩任何一方若不满意结果，均可依法上诉。

What I have just said provides the relevant context when evaluating the work of the courts, particularly in relation to those cases which relate to recent events. While expedition is desirable, there are other factors that must be taken into account in the proper administration of justice. A fair trial does not mean that there must be a conviction or an acquittal depending>

我刚才阐述的，为审视法庭工作时，特别是审视法庭处理与近期社会事件有关的案件时，提供了相关的考虑背景。虽则迅速处理案件是可取，但在妥善执行司法工作的过程中亦必须顾及其他因素。公正审判的意思并不是指法庭必须因应被告人的个人或政治观点作出有罪或无罪的判决：刑事案件的审讯结果取决于审讯时提出的证据，它们是否充分有力，以及控方是否已履行其举证责任，证明案情达至毫无合理疑点的举证标准。

超律志备注：

我国《刑事诉讼法》的证明标准是：案件事实清楚，证据确实、充分。如何理解？

(1)据以定罪的证据均亦查证属实;

(2)案件事实均有必要的证据予以证明;

(3)证据之间、证据与案件事实的矛盾得到合理的排除;

(4)对案件事实的证明结论是唯一的，排除了其他可能性。

I am of course aware of the volume of cases that are before the courts relating to the events of the past seven months. I have already mentioned that in the vast majority of cases, the prosecution will request for time to gather evidence and to obtain advice>

我当然知悉法院现时需要处理大量与过去七个月的事情有关的案件。我刚才已提到，在绝大多数的案件，控方会请求法庭给予时间搜集证据，以及就采用甚么控罪，及该在甚么级别的法院提控，征询意见。绝大多数案件在这个阶段根本尚未完成审讯的准备工作。虽则如此，为了应付预期庞大的案件量，司法机构已制定计划，使这些案件可以在各级别的法院得到迅速处理。司法机构较早前已成立专责工作小组研究我们的法院如何以最佳的方式迅速处理这些案件，当中包括延长开庭时间。我们将会就建议的措施咨询相关持份者。但是，我必须强调：迅速处理案件虽然有其好处，我们也会致力于此，但亦必须谨记，公平的审讯是至为重要的。

The proper administration of justice depends>

司法工作得以妥善执行实有赖法官履行其肩负的职责。这点常被误解；法官的责任不在跟随民众的意愿－－不论是大众还是小众的意愿－－作出判决。事实上，法官必须确保审判公平公正，并且严格依循法律的要求。紧记这要点至为重要。法官履行职责时，只会以法律条文和法律精神为依归，别无其他。相对于法律考量，政治、经济和社会因素完全不在考虑之列。如果法庭在应用法律上出错，则正如我刚才所述，可按上诉机制一直上诉至终审法院。

The duties and responsibilities>

以上概述的法官职责重任，是宪制所规定的职责。《基本法》述明法院行使审判权。行使审判权意指所有司法裁决均以法律为依据，别无其他考虑。《基本法》第九十二条订明法官只根据其本人的司法和专业才能选用。根据《基本法》第一百零四条，所有法官就职时均须宣誓；司法誓言要求法官拥护《基本法》，尽忠职守，奉公守法，公正廉洁，以无惧、无偏、无私、无欺之精神，维护法制，主持正义。这些基本原则必须坚守，不容妥协。

Included in the judicial oath is the theme of the independence of the judiciary. Article 85 of the Basic Law states that the courts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference. This means exactly what it says. The simplicity of the concept must not detract from its paramount importance in the way judges are required to operate and fulfil their constitutional duties and responsibilities. The task of the courts is to resolve legal disputes in accordance with the law. Everyone is subject to the law, no>

司法誓言包含司法独立这个要旨。《基本法》第八十五条订明香港特别行政区法院独立进行审判，不受任何干涉，其含意正如其字面所言。这个概念虽然简单，但它对于法官该如何处理司法工作及履行宪制规定的职责，却是至为重要，其重要性不容贬削。法院的工作是依法解决法律争议。所有人都必须服从法律，无人可凌驾于法律之上。关于人人平等的保证和规定，在《基本法》和《人权法案》中亦已清楚说明；此等保证和规定确保每一个人，不论其身分地位高低，不管是公共机构抑或一般市民，均受法律约束，并须承担法律责任，绝无例外。法院执行法律的责任是《基本法》所订明的宪制规定。我可以充满信心地说，我和我的法官同僚会坚定不移，无惧无畏地履行我们的职责。

An independent judiciary does not mean it is not accountable to the community. Of course the Judiciary and its judges are accountable, but it is of critical importance to understand the duties and responsibilities of our judges.

司法独立并不表示法院不需对社会负责。司法机构及其法官当然要向社会负责，但至为重要的是，社会大众必须明白法官的职责所在。

A proper understanding of the concept of justice, the administration of justice in Hong Kong and the duties and responsibilities of judges will enable anyone to comprehend and appreciate the value of the rule of law. These components of the rule of law, in particular the independence of the judiciary, are all referred to and clearly guaranteed under the Basic Law. They are also constants in the way the law operates; in good times, in not so good times, at all times.

正确认识公义的概念、香港的司法工作及法官的职责，方能明白和理解法治的价值所在。法治的各项要素，尤其是司法独立，《基本法》已有说明及予以明确保证。它们也是关于法律运作的不变要素；不管时世好坏，不管何时总不会改变。

Today marks the final occasion I will be addressing you at the Opening of the Legal Year as I will be retiring when I reach retirement age in January next year. There is still much work for me to complete but I wish to say this. It has been the greatest privilege of my professional life to be Hong Kong's second Chief Justice. I hope you will allow me to make two more points before I leave this stage for the last time. First, I want to thank sincerely and from the bottom of my heart my judicial colleagues in the Judiciary. They have over the years given me unwavering support. More important, they have done their utmost to maintain the rule of law in Hong Kong and to honour their oath, as I myself have tried to. And there is no doubt they will continue to do so under the leadership of my successor. They discharge their duties and responsibilities with dedication and courage, and they do so notwithstanding that times may be challenging and notwithstanding criticisms that may be made against them. I also want to express my deep gratitude to all staff within the Judiciary. They have likewise given me wholehearted support over the years. They have shown dedication in the face of unprecedented challenges. I thank you all, judges and staff alike; I will miss you.

今天是我最后一次在法律年度开启典礼上向大家致辞。明年一月，我将年届退休之龄，亦是我退休之时。虽然我尚有不少工作正待完成，但我想在此向大家说，出任香港第二任终审法院首席法官是我专业生涯中最大的荣誉。在我最后一次离开这个讲台之前，容让我再提两点。第一，我谨此衷心感谢司法机构全体司法同僚多年来给予我坚定不移的支持。更重要的是，他们一直竭尽所能维护香港的法治并履行司法誓言，而我本人亦悉心致力，以此为己任。毫无疑问，他们在下一任终审法院首席法官的领导下仍会继续如此。即使时世带来种种挑战，即使遭受种种批评，他们依然果敢坚毅，克尽厥职。在此，我亦深深感谢司法机构全体员工。多年来他们同样一直全心全意支持我。他们面对前所未见的挑战，依然尽忠职守。我向每一位法官和员工衷心致谢；我会惦念你们。

The second point is a simple message. The rule of law is rightly cherished by the community and is the foundation of a cohesive society. We must do all our best to preserve it and to treasure it because>

第二点，是一个显浅易明的讯息。社会应当珍惜法治，法治是凝聚社会的基石，我们必须尽最大的努力加以维护和珍视，因为一旦法治受到破坏，我们的社会要复元将殊不容易。我将时刻以维护法治为己任。同时，我深深相信社会大众会继续致力维护香港法治。

Lastly, I wish all of you and your families a fulfilling 2020, and a happy and peaceful Year of the Rat.

最后，我谨祝愿在座各位和你们的家人于二○二○年及鼠年喜乐满怀、平安顺遂。