Bribery and Corruption Law in Hong Kong – Fifth Edition
Authors: Ian McWalters SC, Andrew Bruce SC
The fifth edition of the detailed and expansive guide, Bribery and Corruption, provides a continuing update on the latest developments of bribery and corruption law in Hong Kong. Although Hong Kong consistently ranks as one of the least corrupt cities in the world, the jurisprudence relating to the common law offence of misconduct in public office continues to grow as the offence is more frequently employed by prosecutors against abuses of their office by public servants not involving bribery. Recent legislative developments and case law that further define the parameters of the offence are discussed. Furthermore, as a practical tool for legal professionals, the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Cap 201) and the Independent Commission Against Corruption Ordinance (Cap 204) are included.
The key highlights of this Fifth Edition concern developments in the law relating to the common law crime of misconduct in public office. In particular, the recent advent of the National Security Law has yet to make any direct impact on the administration of the law relating to the prevention of bribery and corruption. However, it is far from inconceivable that this will remain. Given we have already seen officials at the highest level of the administration of our Special Administrative Region being prosecuted for corruption-related charges, what is contemplated is that it might be in the future that corruption of such officials might involve an impact to the endangerment of the national security of the People's Republic of China.
There is also commentary from the New South Wales Court of Criminal Appeal, which further defines the parameters and elaborates the significance of proving the purpose of corruption when establishing the offence. Further commentary on the developments of justices of the Court of First Instance and District Court are also discussed in this edition.
Andrew Bruce, SC has been a barrister in private practice in Hong Kong since 2001. From 1982 to 2001 he was a prosecutor with the Hong Kong's Department of Justice. Prior to that from 1977 to 1982 he was in private practice in Adelaide in Australia as a Barrister and Solicitor. He was a member of the Bar Council of the Hong Kong Bar Association between 2002 and 2006, including as vice-chairman of the Council. Andrew is the author either in his own right or with others of Bruce & McCoy Criminal Evidence in Hong Kong (loose-leaf service) and Criminal Procedure: Trial on Indictment (loose-leaf service). He is also the editor of the forthcoming 4th Edition of Bribery and Corruption Law in Hong Kong. He sits from time to time as a Deputy Judge of the High Court.
Mr Ian McWalters SC was until 2009 the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions. He became a Government Counsel in 1985. He was promoted to Senior Government Counsel in 1988, to Deputy Principal Government Counsel in 1994, and to Principal Government Counsel in 2006.