Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission

The Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission (JORC, Chinese: 司法人員推薦委員會) is a statutory body in Hong Kong responsible for advising and making recommendations to the Chief Executive on judicial appointments and related matters established after the Handover in accordance with the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission Ordinance (Cap. 92).[1] According to Article 88 of the Basic Law, the Chief Executive shall appoint judges on the recommendation of the Commission, suggesting that she is not empowered to make appointments on her own accord.[2]

The Commission is chaired by the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal ex-officio and is composed of the Secretary for Justice ex-officio and 7 other members appointed by the Chief Executive, including two judges, a barrister (typically recommended by the Hong Kong Bar Association), a solicitor (typically recommended by the Law Society of Hong Kong), and three other persons not connected with the practice of law.[3] Resolutions of the Commission are effective upon a quorum of 7 members, of which at least two less than the number present must vote in favor. No member has veto power.[4]