Chief Justice Andrew Cheung on Friday cautioned against taking the rule of law for granted, saying there's a need to impart values such as lawfulness and fair-mindedness on future generations.

Speaking at an event marking the end of the Hong Kong Legal Week, Cheung said the concept of the rule of law could be misinterpreted and taken for granted, and that legal education is needed for young people.

"Without fair-mindedness and a culture of lawfulness, there can be no rule of law. These are values that we must now work hard to impart on the next generations, to ensure that they too will safeguard the rule of law and enjoy the benefits of a fair and peaceful society in which justice is accessible to all."

Cheung also said the rule of law has to keep up with the times. He cited more people turning to dispute resolution rather than litigation in recent years as an example.

"The importance of the rule of law continuing to develop is critical in ensuring that the developing needs of society are met, particularly as relates to access to justice by society at large," he said.

"Failing to meet this demand could lead to disillusionment with the rule of law, and it is of critical importance to the future that the support of the next generation for the rule of law is enlisted."

Cheung said the judicial system here has not only provided a secure business environment in which disputes can be resolved in a fair manner, but has also consistently given "generous interpretations" regarding human rights and "jealously guarded against restrictions".

Both Chief Executive John Lee and Secretary for Justice Paul Lam, who spoke at the same event, also stressed the need to promote the rule of law in Hong Kong.

Lee said one of his administration's tasks is to step up education on the constitution, the Basic Law and the national security law, while Lam said he hopes everyone will understand that they should help safeguard the rule of law here.