澳門司法制度三十年︰回顧與展望

In the past 30 years, the Macau legal system has crossed two stages, namely before and after Macau’s return to the motherland. Comparing the characteristics of the two stages, it is not difficult to find that the Macau legal system is unique in the world. It is deeply branded on the tradition of the European continent and local characteristics of Macau. This duality is also reflected in the Macau judicial system. The judicial organs and judicial personnel of Macau have retained many practices from before the handover in terms of setup, operation and conditions, rights and obligations. At the same time, they have also made special arrangements in line with the special administrative regions. In spite of a heavy caseload, Macau courts assume social responsibility to maintain fairness and justice and a guarantee of the legal rights of participants in litigation. In addition, the composition of Macau lawyers has undergone tremendous changes before and after the handover. With the construction of the Belt and Road and the Greater Bay Area of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau, Macau lawyers will play an increasingly important role in cross-border legal services. On the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the return of Macau to the motherland, reviewing the history and development of the Macau judicial system is conducive to strengthening confidence and responding more positively to the needs of social development.