Special Stamp Issue – "Judiciary"

Mint Stamps

A set of special stamps on the theme of "Judiciary" will be issued on 27 November 2008 (Thursday).

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.

Sales Arrangements

Information about the sale of philatelic products associated with this set of special stamps starting from 27 November 2008 is as follows:

Remarks:

1. The above philatelic products are included in the 2008 Local Standing Order Service / 2008 Overseas Mail Order Service. For local customers, please contact Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau Hotline for enquiry at 2785 5711 or fax to 2191 9296.
2. For overseas customers, please ensure there is sufficient balance in your account to pay your advance order. Otherwise, your order will be processed only when the stock is still available after all orders have been fulfilled. For any enquiries, please contact Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau (Overseas Mail Order Service Unit) Hotline at 852-2928 7211 or fax to 852-2850 6552.

Official First Day Covers at $1 each will be put on sale at all post offices as from 13 November 2008. The stamps and the associated philatelic products will be displayed at General Post Office, Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office, Tsuen Wan Post Office and Shatin Central Post Office as from the same date. Advance orders for servicing self-provided covers will be accepted at 36 philatelic offices from 13 to 19 November 2008. All philatelic services, except collection of Local Standing Orders, at Sheung Wan Post Office are temporarily suspended due to its closure for major renovation work that has started from 20 October until December 2008. During this period, customers of Sheung Wan Post Office may patronise General Post Office for philatelic services whereas Local Standing Order Service customers at Sheung Wan Post Office can collect their ordered stamp products as usual at a special counter at the Sheung Wan Post Office Box lobby.

Hand-back Datestamping Arrangements

A hand-back datestamping service will be provided on 27 November 2008 at all post offices, for official and privately-made covers, bearing the first day of issue indication and a local address. A special postmark will also be introduced. This will be available, together with the "GPO-1" postmark, the "Philatelic Bureau" pictorial postmark and the philatelic office pictorial postmark, for hand-back datestamping service at 36 philatelic offices on that day.

Also on 27 November 2008, the public hall of the Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau on 1/F., Trade Square, 681 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon, will open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for datestamping covers with the "Philatelic Bureau" pictorial postmark, the "GPO-1" postmark and the special postmark.

Stamp Printing Details

Souvenir Sheet	Special Postmark
Serviced First Day Cover affixed with a set of Mint Stamps	Serviced First Day Cover affixed with a Souvenir Sheet
Presentation Pack