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This Report highlights the major developments and events of the Judiciary, provides the statistics on caseload and waiting time for various levels of court and gives other information about the operation of the Judiciary in the year of 2008.
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Civil Justice Reform |
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2. The reform of our civil justice system reached a milestone in 2008 with the enactment of the Civil Justice (Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 2008 and the completion of the legislative exercise to amend seven sets of subsidiary legislation. With the legislative framework in place, we have conducted training for our Judges and support staff. The Steering Committee on Civil Justice Reform has also issued a total of 24 draft Practice Directions for two rounds of consultation with the legal profession and other relevant parties before the end of 2008. The firm target is to implement the Reform on 2 April 2009. |
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Mediation |
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3. The pilot scheme on mediation for building management cases in the Lands Tribunal was implemented starting January 2008. The operation of the scheme is monitored by the Working Party on Mediation. The pilot scheme is extended until 30 June 2009 and its operation will be evaluated. |
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4. As part of civil justice reform, the Steering Committee on Civil Justice Reform has issued a new draft Practice Direction on Mediation for consultation with the legal profession and concerned parties. Its aim is to assist the court to discharge its duty to facilitate the settlement of disputes by encouraging and facilitating the parties to use mediation. |
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Relocation of the Labour Tribunal |
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5. The Labour Tribunal commenced operation in its new premises in the South Kowloon Law Courts Building in January 2008. This newly refurbished building provides much improved accommodation for the Presiding Officers, support staff and court users and has contributed to the smooth operation of the Tribunal.
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New Judiciary Stamps |
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6. In November 2008, the Hong Kong Post launched a set of four stamps on the theme of the Judiciary. One of them features our Judges from the various levels of court in court dress, and the other three feature familiar symbols of the Judiciary, namely the Court of Final Appeal, the Statute of Justice and the Chief Justice’s Mace. These stamps are shown throughout this Report.
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Judiciary Administration |
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7. The Judiciary Administration continues to strive to provide quality support services for the administration of justice. The Registry of the Small Claims Tribunal and the General Offices of seven Magistrates’ Courts obtained the ISO 9001:2000 re-certification for their Registry and Court Support Services in February 2008. The Registries of the Lands Tribunal and the Bailiff Office also achieved good results in the 2008 surveillance audits for ISO certification.
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8. We hope you will enjoy reading this Report and gain a better understanding of our work.
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Highlights of Events 2008
| 3-6 |
The Hon Chief Justice Andrew Li visited Hangzhou and met with President Xiao Yang, Supreme People's Court, the People's Republic of China
|
| 10 |
A 40-member delegation of Mainland judges headed by Mr Jiang Lianrun, Secretary-General of the Mainland's Judges' Association, visited
|
| 14 |
The Hon Chief Justice Andrew Li declared opening of the 2008 Legal Year
|
| 20 |
A seven-member delegation of Nepalese judges visited
|
| 25 |
A 20-member delegation from the Beijing Higher People's Court, the People's Republic of China, and other Mainland enterprises visited
|
| 26 |
A nine-member delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China, visited
|
| 27 |
Mr Yang Liuchang, Director of the Department of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Related to Taiwan, Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, the People's Republic of China, visited
|
| 28 |
Dr Adish Aggarwala, President of International Council of Jurists, visited
|
| 8 |
The Hon Mr Justice Yeung, Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court, took part in a legal forum in Zhuhai at the invitation of the Guangdong Law Society, the School of Law of the City University of Hong Kong and the Faculty of Law of the University of Macao
|
| 11 |
Dr Supachai Panitchpakdi, Secretary-General of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, visited
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| 19 |
Madam Tao Kaiyuan, Vice President of the High People's Court of Guangdong Province, the People's Republic of China, visited
|
| 1 |
A seven-member delegation from the Regional Trial Court in Balangiga of the Philippines visited
|
| 3-5 |
The Hon Mr Justice Ma, Chief Judge of the High Court; the Hon Mr Justice Hartmann, the Hon Madam Justice Kwan, the Hon Mr Justice Lam, and the Hon Mr Justice Reyes, Judges of the Court of First Instance of the High Court, attended the Judicial Seminar on Commercial Litigation jointly hosted by the Supreme Court of New South Wales, Australia and the Hong Kong Judiciary in Sydney, Australia
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| 11 |
A seven-member delegation of Mainland judges visited
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| 15 |
Mr Wang Yongjun, Director-General of the Foreign Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Supervision, the People's Republic of China, visited
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| 16 |
Mr Geoffrey Vos, QC, Immediate Past Chairman of the Bar Council, England and Wales, visited
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| 22 |
The Rt Hon Justice Gault, Non-permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal, gave a talk at the High Court on "The Role of the Courts in the Development of the Law"
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| 26 |
Senior Counsel Admission Ceremony was held at the High Court
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| 28-30 |
Mr Victor Yeo, State Coroner of the Subordinate Courts of Singapore, visited
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| 7 & 21 |
Delegations from Huangpu People's Court and Haizhu People's Procuratorate of Guangzhou, the People's Republic of China, visited
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| 8 |
A 12-member delegation from Mainland Justice Bureaux visited
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| 9-10 |
The Hon Mr Justice Pang, Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court, attended as a guest speaker a seminar in Macao on "Prevention of Bribery in the Private Sector" at the invitation of the Commission Against Corruption of the Macao Special Administrative Region
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| 13 |
Mr Viruch Limvichai, President of the Supreme Court of Thailand, visited
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| 19 |
A 13-member delegation from the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, the United States, visited
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| 28 |
A nine-member delegation of Mainland judges visited
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| 11 |
The Hon Mr Justice Woo, Vice-President of the Court of Appeal of the High Court, delivered a talk to the judicial officer trainees of Macao at the invitation of the Macao Intermediary Court
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| 13 |
The Hon Mr Justice Pang, Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court, delivered a talk on the topics of "Judicial System of Hong Kong" and "Criminal Procedure of Hong Kong" to the trainees of the Legal and Judicial Training Centre of the Macao Special Administrative Region
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| 2 & 3 |
A four-member delegation from the Supreme Court of Singapore visited
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| 2 |
His Honour Judge Li Hon-leung and Mr Tong Man were appointed as Chief District Judge and Chief Magistrate respectively
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| 1 |
Two officials from the Ministry of Justice of Japan visited
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| 1-3 |
The Hon Mr Justice Reyes, Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court, attended a conference in Singapore on "Reflections on Diverse Issues in International Arbitration" co-organised by the International Chamber of Commerce and the Singapore International Arbitration Centre
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| 10 |
The Hon Mr Justice Hartmann, Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court, was appointed as Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court
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| 24-27 |
The Hon Chief Justice Andrew Li attended the Global Constitutionalism Seminar at Yale University, United States
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| 22 |
The Hon Chief Justice Andrew Li attended the Dedication Ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Peking University School of Transnational Law in Shenzhen
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| 27 |
A seven-member delegation from the Supreme People's Court, the People's Republic of China, visited
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| 7 |
The Hon Mr Justice Ma, Chief Judge of the High Court and the Hon Madam Justice Yuen, Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court, attended the 4th Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration Incorporated Appellate Judges' Conference in Melbourne, Australia
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| 14 |
A 44-member delegation of Mainland judges and officials visited
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| 27 |
"Judiciary" special stamps were issued
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| 10 |
The Hon Chief Justice Andrew Li delivered an opening address at the Conference on Effective Judicial Review: A Cornerstone of Good Governance
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| 12 |
The Hon Mr Justice Stone, Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court, attended a conference in Beijing on "50th Anniversary of the New York Convention - Challenges to the Judiciary" organised by the National Judges College of China and the Cheung Kong Centre for Negotiation and Dispute Resolution in association with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
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| 18 |
A 28-member delegation from the Intermediate People's Court and the People's Procuratorate of Guiyang, Guizhou Province, the People's Republic of China, visited
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List of Judges and Judicial Officers
| - |
Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal
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The Hon Chief Justice Andrew LI, GBM |
| - |
Permanent Judges of the Court of Final Appeal
|
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The Hon Mr Justice BOKHARY |
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The Hon Mr Justice CHAN |
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The Hon Mr Justice RIBEIRO |
| - |
Non-Permanent Judges of the Court of Final Appeal
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Mr William James SILKE |
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Mr Kutlu Tekin FUAD |
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Sir Noel Plunkett POWER, GBS |
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Mr Gerald Paul NAZARETH, GBS |
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Mr John Barry MORTIMER, GBS |
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The Hon Henry Denis LITTON, GBM |
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The Hon Sir Anthony MASON |
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The Rt Hon the Lord HOFFMANN |
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The Hon Sir Gerard BRENNAN |
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The Rt Hon Sir Thomas EICHELBAUM |
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The Rt Hon the Lord MILLETT |
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The Rt Hon the Lord WOOLF of Barnes |
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The Rt Hon the Lord SCOTT of Foscote |
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The Rt Hon Sir Ivor RICHARDSON |
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Mr Michael McHUGH |
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The Rt Hon Thomas Munro GAULT |
| - |
Chief Judge of the High Court
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The Hon Mr Justice MA |
| - |
Justices of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court
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The Hon Mr Justice STUART-MOORE, V-P |
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The Hon Mr Justice ROGERS, V-P |
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The Hon Mr Justice WOO, GBS, V-P |
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The Hon Mr Justice TANG, SBS, V-P |
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The Hon Mr Justice STOCK, JA |
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The Hon Mrs Justice LE PICHON, JA |
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The Hon Mr Justice CHEUNG, JA |
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The Hon Mr Justice YEUNG, JA |
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The Hon Madam Justice YUEN, JA |
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The Hon Mr Justice HARTMANN, JA (w.e.f. 10.9.2008) |
| - |
Judges of the Court of First Instance of the High Court
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The Hon Mr Justice YAM |
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The Hon Mr Justice WAUNG# |
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The Hon Mr Justice BURRELL |
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The Hon Mrs Justice BOKHARY |
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The Hon Mr Justice PANG |
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The Hon Mr Justice STONE |
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The Hon Madam Justice BEESON |
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The Hon Mr Justice NGUYEN# |
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The Hon Mr Justice HARTMANN (up to 9.9.2008) |
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The Hon Mr Justice SUFFIAD |
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The Hon Mr Justice SAKHRANI |
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The Hon Mr Justice CHUNG |
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The Hon Madam Justice CHU |
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The Hon Mr Justice TONG |
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The Hon Madam Justice KWAN |
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The Hon Mr Justice McMAHON |
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The Hon Mr Justice LAM |
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The Hon Mr Justice CHEUNG |
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The Hon Mr Justice LUNN |
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The Hon Mr Justice BARMA |
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The Hon Mr Justice REYES |
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The Hon Mr Justice FUNG |
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The Hon Mrs Justice BARNES |
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The Hon Mr Justice WRIGHT |
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The Hon Mr Justice POON |
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The Hon Mr Justice SAUNDERS |
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The Hon Mr Justice SAW |
| - |
Registrar, High Court
|
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Ms AU YEUNG Kwai-yue, Queeny |
| - |
Deputy Registrars, High Court
|
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Mr HO Chi-yin, Andy |
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Ms KWAN Ka-ching, Betty |
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Mr LUNG Kim-wan |
| - |
Chief District Judge
|
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His Honour Judge LI (w.e.f. 2.7.2008) |
| - |
District Judges
|
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His Honour Judge LONGLEY |
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Her Honour Judge CHUA# |
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His Honour Judge WHALEY |
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His Honour Judge de SOUZA |
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His Honour Judge GILL# |
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His Honour Judge Bruno CHAN |
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Her Honour Judge WONG |
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His Honour Judge TO |
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His Honour Judge CHOW |
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His Honour Judge CARLSON |
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His Honour Judge LINE |
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Her Honour Judge TOH |
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His Honour Judge YUNG |
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Her Honour Judge POON |
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Her Honour Judge YUEN |
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His Honour Judge PANG |
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His Honour Judge GEISER |
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His Honour Judge LOK |
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His Honour Judge Louis CHAN |
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Her Honour Judge NG |
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Her Honour Judge CHU |
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His Honour Judge LI (up to 1.7.2008) |
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Her Honour Judge D'ALMADA REMEDIOS |
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His Honour Judge BROWNE |
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His Honour Judge WONG |
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His Honour Judge YAU |
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His Honour Judge Andrew CHAN |
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His Honour Judge MACKINTOSH |
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His Honour Judge Stanley CHAN |
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His Honour Judge LEUNG |
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Her Honour Judge MELLOY |
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Her Honour Judge Mimmie CHAN |
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His Honour Judge AU |
| - |
Member, Lands Tribunal
|
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Mr LO Wai-kwong |
| Magistrates' Courts and other Tribunals |
| - |
Chief Magistrate
|
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Mr TONG Man (w.e.f. 2.7.2008) |
| - |
Principal Magistrates
|
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Mr JENKINS Michael Collier# |
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Mr TALLENTIRE Garry |
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Mr KWOK Wai-kin |
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Mr JENKINS Timothy Simon |
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Mr LIN Kam-hung, Ernest Michael |
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Mr TONG Man (up to 1.7.2008) |
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Mr MA Hon-cheung, Andrew |
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Mr LAM Wai-kuen, Josiah |
| - |
Magistrates
|
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Mr LEUNG Wing-chung, Winston# |
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Mr THOMAS David Ian |
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Ms CHAINRAI Bina |
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Ms LOH Lai-kuen |
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Mr LI Wai-chi |
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Mr CHEUNG Wai-tat, Ronald |
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Mr WAHAB Abu Bakar bin |
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Mr LAU Wing-shing, Denis |
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Mr CHAN Pik-kiu, Michael |
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Mr MIERCZAK Henry Anthony |
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Mr YUEN Wai-ming, Anthony |
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Mr DUFTON David John |
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Mr CASEWELL Timothy Harry |
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Mr LAW Tak-chuen, Peter |
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Mr CHOW Siu-wo, Anthony |
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Mr YU Mun-kee, Roy |
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Mr SMOUT Stephen |
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Ms KOT Sin-yee, Angela |
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Mr PANG Chung-ping |
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Mr SHAM Siu-man |
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Mr KWOK Kai-on, Anthony |
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Mr YIP Chor-man, Eddie |
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Ms WOODCOCK Amanda Jane |
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Mrs WU CHAU Yuen-man, Mary |
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Mr AU Selwyn Hason, See-hin |
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Mr HUI Shiu-keung, Peter |
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Ms CHOW Yin-chu, Merinda |
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Mrs LEVY LAW Katina Suet-mui |
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Mr CHAN Chan-kok |
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Mr GLASS John Trevor |
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Mr LAM Kui-po, William |
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Mr LEE Ka-chai, Lambert |
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Mr HUI Ka-ho |
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Mr WONG Kin-tong, Jack |
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Ms WOO Huey-fang, Bernadette |
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Mr KWANG Cheok-weung, Simon |
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Mr WONG Sung-hau |
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Ms LO Kit-yee, Katherine |
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Mr WONG Yu-wing, Symon |
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Ms CHAN Ling-ling, Tracy |
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Mr CHAN Kam-cheong, Rickie |
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Mr TAM Lee-cheung |
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Mr YIU Fun-che, Frankie |
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Mr NG Sing-wai, William |
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Mr WONG King-wah |
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Mr TAM Kwok-wah |
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Mr CHAN Jong-herng, Johnny |
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Mrs TSE CHING Adriana Noelle |
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Miss YIM Shun-yee, Ada |
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Mr POON Siu-tung |
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Mr KO King-sau, Justin |
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Mr YAU Tak-hong, Douglas |
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Mr WONG Wai-kuen |
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Mr LAI Tat-cheung, Reuden |
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Mr OWN George |
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Mr MAK Kwok-cheung |
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Mr TO Ho-shing |
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Miss CHAN Yuk-fan, Grace |
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Mr LO Kit-man, Simon |
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Mr LEE Hing-nin, Clement |
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Mr CHEANG Kei-hong |
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Mr LAM Kar-yan, Gary |
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Mr SO Man-lung, Don |
| - |
Special Magistrates
|
| |
Mr HO Kang-kei, Daniel |
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Mr TAM Ka-huen |
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Mr CHAN Yan-tong# |
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Mr CHAN Chi-kim |
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Mr WONG Kwok-fai, Raymond |
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Mr YU Cheuk-man |
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Miss NG Chung-yee, Debbie |
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Ms CHAN Wai-mun |
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Miss HEUNG Shuk-han, Veronica |
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Mr CHU Chung-keung |
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Miss CHOW Pok-fun, Josephine |
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Overall picture
on caseload and disposal at all Court levels
Court of Final Appeal
CASELOAD AND CASE DISPOSAL OF THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL
| |
Caseload |
Disposal* |
| |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
| Applications
for leave to appeal from the High Court |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - Criminal |
63 |
64 |
76 |
81
(40)
|
62
(29)
|
74
(45)
|
| - Civil |
50 |
75 |
82 |
51
(30)
|
62
(40)
|
66
(40)
|
| Total |
113 |
139 |
158 |
132 |
124 |
140 |
Substantive appeals
from
the High Court
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - Criminal |
12 |
10 |
12 |
15 |
12 |
8 |
| - Civil |
23 |
34 |
30 |
33 |
23 |
36 |
| Total |
35 |
44 |
42 |
48 |
35 |
44 |
| Miscellaneous proceedings |
1 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
|
*
|
Case disposal refers to applications for leave to appeal/appeals
which have been allowed, dismissed, withdrawn, abandoned or discontinued |
| |
The figures in brackets indicate the number of applications dismissed under Rule 7 of the Court of Final Appeal Rules, Cap. 484A |
WAITING TIME FOR CASES IN THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL
| |
Waiting
Times (days) |
| |
Target |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
| Applications
for leave to appeal from the High Court |
|
|
|
|
| From notice of hearing to hearing |
|
|
|
|
| -Criminal |
45
|
46 |
40 |
40 |
| -Civil |
35
|
38 |
37 |
35 |
Substantive appeals
from
the High Court |
|
|
|
|
| From notice of hearing to hearing |
|
|
|
|
| -Criminal |
100
|
69 |
78 |
89 |
| -Civil |
120
|
91 |
110 |
95 |
|
|
Overall picture
on caseload and disposal at all Court levels
High Court
CASELOAD AND CASE DISPOSAL OF THE HIGH COURT
|
|
Caseload |
Disposal
* |
| |
|
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
| Court
of Appeal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Appellate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - |
Criminal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Appeals from the Court of First Instance |
129 |
119 |
126 |
99 |
126 |
129 |
| |
Appeals from the District Court |
391 |
357 |
304 |
312 |
375 |
357 |
| |
Sub-total |
520 |
476 |
430 |
411 |
501 |
486 |
| - |
Civil |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Appeals from the Court of First Instance |
349 |
306 |
313 |
298 |
288 |
295 |
| |
Appeals from the District Court |
43 |
53 |
29 |
36 |
37 |
37 |
| |
Miscellaneous Appeals |
51 |
62 |
43 |
43 |
38 |
39 |
| |
Sub-total |
443 |
421 |
385 |
377 |
363 |
371 |
| Review
of Sentences |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - |
Criminal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Reviews from the Court of First Instance |
3 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
| |
Reviews from the District Court |
7 |
7 |
5 |
6 |
5 |
6 |
| |
Reviews from the Magistrates' Courts |
3 |
5 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
7 |
| |
Sub-total |
13 |
12 |
9 |
9 |
8 |
15 |
| |
Total |
976 |
909 |
824 |
797 |
872 |
872 |
|
*
|
Case disposal refers to appeals/reviews which have been
allowed, dismissed, withdrawn, discontinued or abandoned with or without
court order |
|
|
Caseload |
Disposal
* |
| |
|
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
| Court
of First Instance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Appellate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - |
Criminal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Appeals from Magistrates' Courts |
1 238 |
1 234 |
1 125 |
1 180 |
1 185 |
1 156 |
| - |
Civil |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Appeals from Labour Tribunal |
57 |
51 |
47 |
53 |
42 |
50 |
| |
Appeals from Small Claims Tribunals |
60 |
81 |
50 |
34 |
50 |
59 |
| |
Appeals from Minor Employment Claims
Adjudication Board |
11 |
12 |
10 |
13 |
5 |
13 |
| |
Miscellaneous Appeals |
5 |
9 |
4 |
14 |
5 |
7 |
| |
Sub-total |
133 |
153 |
111 |
114 |
102 |
129 |
| |
Total |
1 371 |
1 387 |
1 236 |
1 294 |
1 287 |
1 285 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| First
Instance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - |
Criminal Jurisdiction |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Criminal Cases |
263 |
312 |
311 |
320 |
311 |
301 |
| |
Confidential Miscellaneous Proceedings |
59 |
56 |
64 |
59 |
56 |
64 |
| |
Application for Discharge |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
| |
Sub-total |
323 |
368 |
375 |
380 |
367 |
365 |
| - |
Civil Jurisdiction |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
High Court Actions |
2 877 |
2 678 |
2 784 |
1 868 |
1 768 |
1 741 |
| |
Miscellaneous Proceedings |
2 740 |
2 596 |
2 631 |
1 703 |
1 631 |
1 679 |
| |
Bankruptcy & Companies Winding-up+ |
13 245 |
13 620 |
14 500 |
11 285 |
11 821 |
11 629 |
| |
Personal Injuries Actions |
1 142 |
1 094 |
951 |
972 |
935 |
927 |
| |
Other cases #
|
599 |
516 |
537 |
278 |
238 |
253 |
| |
Sub-total |
20 603 |
20 504 |
21 403 |
16 106 |
16 393 |
16 229 |
| |
Total
|
20 926 |
20 872 |
21 778 |
16 486 |
16 760 |
16 594 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - |
Masters Chambers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Interlocutory hearings**
|
28 381 |
30 429 |
29 287 |
26 755 |
28 575 |
26 660 |
| |
Taxation bills |
1 039 |
1 036 |
1 043 |
984(1) |
976(1) |
970(1) |
| - |
Probate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Applications |
15 298 |
13 483 |
13 339 |
15 320(2) |
13 541(2) |
12 958(2) |
|
*
|
Case disposal refers to appeals which have been allowed,
dismissed, withdrawn, discontinued or abandoned with or without court
order; criminal cases where defendants have been convicted or acquitted;
and civil cases where claims have been successfully made or dismissed |
|
+
|
Cases include bankruptcy proceedings, companies winding-up proceedings, applications for Interim Order (Bankruptcy) and applications to set aside Statutory Demands |
|
#
|
Other cases include constitutional and administrative law proceedings, admiralty actions, adoptions, bill of sale registrations, book debt registrations, commercial actions, construction and arbitration cases, matrimonial causes, probate actions and stop notices |
|
**
|
The caseload figure represents the number of interlocutory applications listed with hearings, and the disposal figure represents the number of the interlocutory applications heard in the reporting period |
| |
Note (1) : Case disposal refers to taxation bills processed |
| |
Note (2) : Case disposal refers to grants issued/grants resealed/estates administration completed by the Official Administrator in summary manner |
WAITING TIME FOR CASES IN THE HIGH COURT
| |
|
Waiting
Times (days) |
| |
|
Target |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
| Court
of Appeal |
|
|
|
|
| - |
Criminal cases - from setting down
of a case to hearing |
50
|
46 |
50 |
42 |
| - |
Civil cases - from application to
fix date to hearing |
90
|
100 |
87 |
85 |
| Court
of First Instance |
|
|
|
|
| - |
Criminal Fixture - from filing of
indictment to hearing |
120
|
119 |
109 |
112 |
| - |
Criminal Running List - from setting
down to hearing |
90
|
66 |
57 |
63 |
| - |
Civil Fixture - from application
to fix date to hearing |
180
|
124 |
114 |
145 |
| - |
Civil Running List - from setting
down to hearing |
90
|
64 |
61 |
59 |
| - |
Appeals from Magistrates' Courts
- from lodging of Notice of Appeal to hearing |
90
|
87 |
91 |
90 |
|
|
Overall picture
on caseload and disposal at all Court levels
District Court
CASELOAD AND CASE DISPOSAL OF THE DISTRICT COURT
|
|
Caseload |
Disposal* |
| |
|
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
| - |
Criminal Jurisdiction |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Criminal Cases |
1 199 |
1 240 |
1 250 |
1 151 |
1 152 |
1 063 |
| - |
Civil Jurisdiction |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Civil |
6 381 |
5 764 |
6 022 |
4 079 |
3 709 |
3 867 |
| |
Tax Claim |
10 323 |
9 773 |
9 153 |
9 074 |
8 944 |
8 485 |
| |
Distress for Rent |
6 194 |
5 392 |
5 540 |
6 233 |
5 388 |
5 497 |
| |
Employee's Compensation |
1 791 |
1 534 |
1 570 |
1 481 |
1 769 |
1 075 |
| |
Other civil cases +
|
6 259 |
6 357 |
6 242 |
3 292 |
3 801 |
3 515 |
| |
Sub-total |
30 948 |
28 820 |
28 527 |
24 159 |
23 611 |
22 439 |
| - |
Divorce Jurisdiction |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Cases |
16 410 |
15 846 |
15 703 |
15 667 |
16 692 |
15 534 |
| |
Miscellaneous Proceedings |
249 |
221 |
215 |
225 |
227 |
191 |
| |
Joint Applications |
1 762 |
1 957 |
2 327 |
1 757 |
1 711 |
2 237 |
| |
Adoption Applications |
123 |
107 |
119 |
110 |
91 |
101 |
| |
Sub-total |
18 544 |
18 131 |
18 364 |
17 759(1) |
18 721(1) |
18 063(1) |
| |
Total (Civil)
|
49 492 |
46 951 |
46 891 |
41 918 |
42 332 |
40 502 |
| |
Total |
50 691 |
48 191 |
48 141 |
43 069 |
43 484 |
41 565 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - |
Master Chambers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Interlocutory hearings**
|
10 953 |
10 596 |
10 029 |
10 656 |
10 323 |
10 016 |
| - |
Taxation bills |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Divorce
|
4 139 |
4 264 |
3 287 |
3 514 |
3 851 |
2 903 |
| |
Others |
671 |
725 |
854 |
445 |
623 |
466 |
| |
Sub-total |
4 810 |
4 989 |
4 141 |
3 959(2)
|
4 474(2)
|
3 369(2)
|
| |
Total |
15 763 |
15 585 |
14 170 |
14 615 |
14 797 |
13 385 |
|
*
|
Case disposal refers to those where defendants have
been convicted or acquitted and those where claims have been successfully
made or dismissed |
|
+
|
Other civil cases include Miscellaneous Proceedings, Stamp Duty (Ordinance) Appeals, Equal Opportunities Actions, Personal Injuries Cases, Occupational Deafness (Compensation) Appeals, Pneumoconiosis (Compensation) Appeals and Estate Agents Appeals |
|
**
|
The caseload figure represents the number of interlocutory applications listed with hearings, and the disposal figure represents the number of the interlocutory applications heard in the reporting period |
| |
Note (1) : Case disposal refers to Decree Absolute granted and Adoption orders made |
| |
Note (2) : Case disposal refers to taxation bills processed |
WAITING TIME FOR CASES IN THE DISTRICT COURT
| |
|
Waiting
Times (days) |
| |
|
Target |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
Criminal
cases - from first appearance of defendants in District Court to hearing
|
100
|
117 |
98 |
111 |
|
Civil
cases - from date of listing to hearing
|
120
|
125 |
58 |
85 |
Dissolution
of marriage - from setting down to hearing
|
|
|
|
|
| - |
Special procedure cases
|
35
|
45 |
33 |
31 |
| - |
Defended cases (one day hearing)
|
110
|
115 |
119 |
143 |
|
|
Overall picture
on caseload and disposal at all Court levels
Magistrates' Courts
CASELOAD AND CASE DISPOSAL OF THE MAGISTRATES' COURTS
| |
|
Caseload |
Disposal
* |
| |
|
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
| - |
Charge Cases |
46 639 |
45 149 |
45 087 |
45 750 |
45 305 |
44 710 |
| - |
Hawker Cases |
11 820 |
11 065 |
11 719 |
11 819 |
11 069 |
11 687 |
| - |
Departmental & Private Summonses |
149 731 |
158 009 |
183 282 |
152 264 |
156 588 |
173 307 |
| - |
Driving-Offence Points Summonses |
4 114 |
4 460 |
5 094 |
3 660 |
4 379 |
4 582 |
| - |
Fixed Penalty Summonses (Traffic) |
1 004 |
1 103 |
1 202 |
906 |
1 134 |
1 143 |
| - |
Fixed Penalty Summonses (Public Cleanliness Offences) |
532 |
426 |
458 |
501 |
455 |
419 |
| - |
Miscellaneous Proceedings |
12 787 |
13 531 |
12 881 |
12 881 |
13 736 |
13 025 |
| - |
Departmental Notice |
1 675 |
1 766 |
1 368 |
1 822 |
1 767 |
1 482 |
| - |
Fixed Penalty Notice (Traffic) |
66 669 |
75 915 |
73 119 |
66 062 |
82 101 |
75 579 |
| - |
Fixed Penalty Notice (Public Cleanliness Offences) |
3 286 |
2 790 |
3 232 |
3 346 |
2 840 |
3 176 |
| |
Total |
298 257 |
314 214 |
337 442 |
299 011 |
319 374 |
329 110 |
|
*
|
Case disposal refers to cases where defendants have
been convicted or acquitted after trial or hearing, pre-hearing payments
of all penalties and costs, and applications which have been granted,
refused, withdrawn or struck out |
WAITING TIME FOR CASES IN THE MAGISTRATES' COURTS
| |
|
Waiting
Times (days) |
| |
|
Target |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
Summonses
- from plea to date of trial
|
50
|
95 |
95 |
78 |
Charge
Cases - from plea to date of trial
|
|
|
|
|
| - |
Cases involving defendants in custody
|
30-45 |
42 |
47 |
41 |
| - |
Cases involving defendants on bail
|
45-60 |
66 |
64 |
56 |
|
|
Overall picture
on caseload and disposal at all Court levels
Lands Tribunal
CASELOAD AND CASE DISPOSAL OF THE LANDS TRIBUNAL
| |
|
Caseload |
Disposal* |
| |
|
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
| - |
Appeals |
367 |
265 |
240 |
193 |
381 |
248 |
| - |
Compensation cases |
28 |
17 |
34 |
14 |
27 |
22 |
| - |
Building management cases |
343 |
494 |
329 |
642 |
346 |
389 |
| - |
Tenancy cases |
4 669 |
4 333 |
4 611 |
3 733 |
3 386 |
3 682 |
| - |
Lands compulsory sale applications |
54 |
14 |
10 |
5 |
11 |
52 |
| - |
Miscellaneous proceedings applications |
10 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
2 |
3 |
| |
Total |
5 471 |
5 128 |
5 228 |
4 592 |
4 153 |
4 396 |
|
*
|
Case disposal includes appeals
which have been allowed or dismissed and trials
or hearings which have been concluded |
WAITING TIME FOR CASES IN THE LANDS TRIBUNAL
| |
|
Waiting
Times (days) |
| |
|
Target |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
| From
setting down of a case to hearing |
|
|
|
|
| - |
Appeals
|
100
|
57 |
83 |
44 |
| - |
Compensation cases |
100
|
85 |
141 |
96 |
| - |
Building management cases |
100
|
48 |
54 |
40 |
| - |
Tenancy cases |
60
|
40 |
41 |
27 |
|
|
Overall picture
on caseload and disposal at all Court levels
Labour Tribunal
CASELOAD AND CASE DISPOSAL OF THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL
| |
|
Caseload |
Disposal* |
| |
|
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
| - |
Cases |
6 524 |
6 160 |
7 199 |
6 543 |
6 066 |
4 867 |
| - |
Reviews |
188 |
126 |
113 |
189 |
137 |
108 |
| - |
Restore claims |
151 |
109 |
97 |
132 |
119 |
101 |
| - |
Set-aside awards |
173 |
141 |
128 |
175 |
130 |
138 |
| |
Total |
7 036 |
6 536 |
7 537 |
7 039 |
6 452 |
5 214 |
|
*
|
Case disposal refers to claims which have been concluded,
including cases awarded, dismissed, settled, withdrawn and transferred |
WAITING TIME FOR CASES IN THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL
| |
|
Waiting Times (days) |
| |
|
Target |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
| - |
From appointment to filing of a case
|
30
|
12 |
10 |
17 |
| - |
From filing of a case to first hearing
|
30
|
25 |
25 |
24 |
|
|
Overall picture
on caseload and disposal at all Court levels
Small Claims Tribunal
CASELOAD AND CASE DISPOSAL OF THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL
| |
|
Caseload |
Disposal* |
| |
|
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
| - |
Claims |
76 925 |
68 797 |
59 246 |
72 599 |
69 770 |
55 495 |
| - |
Reviews |
260 |
320 |
238 |
224 |
251 |
216 |
| |
Total |
77 185 |
69 117 |
59 484 |
72 823 |
70 021 |
55 711 |
|
*
|
Case disposal refers to claims which have been made successfully
or dismissed |
WAITING TIME
FOR CASES IN THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL
| |
|
Waiting
Times (days) |
| |
|
Target |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
| - |
From filing of a case to first hearing |
60
|
43 |
42 |
40 |
|
|
Overall picture
on caseload and disposal at all Court levels
Obscene Articles Tribunal
CASELOAD AND CASE DISPOSAL OF THE OBSCENE ARTICLES TRIBUNAL
| |
|
Caseload |
Disposal* |
| |
|
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
| - |
Articles for determination
|
76 929 |
69 055 |
43 533 |
76 623 |
69 596 |
42 404 |
| - |
Articles for classification
|
1 766 |
1 157 |
931 |
1 755 |
1 159 |
933 |
| - |
Articles for review
|
16 |
9 |
2 |
15 |
0 |
2 |
| - |
Articles for reconsideration
|
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
| |
Total |
78 714 |
70 221 |
44 466 |
78 396 |
70 755 |
43 339 |
|
*
|
Case disposal refers to those
articles which have been determined or classified;
those in respect of which determination or classification
is not required with consent of both parties; and
those in respect of which determination or classification
have been reviewed or reconsidered |
WAITING TIME
FOR CASES IN THE OBSCENE ARTICLES TRIBUNAL
| |
|
Waiting
Times (days) |
| |
|
Target |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
| - |
From referral by a magistrate to commencement
of determination of the subject matter of a court case
|
21
|
19 |
17 |
18 |
| - |
From receipt of application to classification
|
5
|
2 |
2 |
2 |
| - |
From receipt of application to review
|
35
|
27 |
26 |
19 |
| - |
From receipt of application to reconsideration
|
35
|
32 |
- |
- |
|
*
|
As there is no application for reconsideration
filed for 2007 and 2008, the waiting
time is inapplicable |
|
|
Overall picture
on caseload and disposal at all Court levels
Coroner's Court
CASELOAD AND CASE DISPOSAL OF THE CORONER'S COURT
| |
|
Caseload |
Disposal* |
| |
|
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
| - |
Death inquests with jury
|
186 |
152 |
137 |
181 |
155 |
135 |
| - |
Death inquests without jury
|
32 |
23 |
14 |
29 |
30 |
10 |
| |
Total |
218 |
175 |
151 |
210 |
185 |
145 |
|
*
|
Case disposal refers to death
inquests concluded |
WAITING TIME FOR CASES IN THE CORONER'S COURT
| |
|
Waiting
Times (days) |
| |
|
Target |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
| - |
From date of listing to hearing
|
42
|
43 |
36 |
40 |
|
|
Membership List of
the Steering Committee on Civil Justice Reform
| - |
Chairman |
The Hon Mr Justice MA
Chief Judge of the High Court |
| - |
Members |
The Hon Mr Justice WOO, GBS, V-P
Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court |
|
|
The Hon Mr Justice HARTMANN, JA
Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court |
|
|
The Hon Madam Justice CHU
Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court |
|
|
The Hon Mr Justice BARMA
Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court |
|
|
The Hon Mr Justice REYES
Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court |
|
|
The Hon Mr Justice FUNG
Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court |
|
|
His Honour Judge LI
Chief District Judge |
|
|
Ms AU YEUNG Kwai-yue, Queeny
Registrar, High Court |
|
|
His Honour Judge LOK
District Judge |
|
|
Mr LUNG Kim-wan
Deputy Registrar, High Court |
|
|
Mr KO King-sau
Temporary Deputy Registrar, High Court |
|
|
Mr POON Siu-tung
Temporary Registrar, District Court |
| - |
Secretary |
Ms Vega WONG
Assistant Judiciary Administration (Development)
(up to 3.8.2008) |
|
|
Ms Clara TANG
Assistant Judiciary Administrator (Development)
(w.e.f. 4.8.2008) |
|
|
Membership List of the Working Party on Mediation
| - |
Chairman |
The Hon Mr Justice LAM
Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court |
| - |
Members |
The Hon Madam Justice KWAN
Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court |
|
|
The Hon Mr Justice REYES
Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court |
|
|
The Hon Mr Justice FUNG
Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court |
|
|
The Hon Mr Justice SAUNDERS
Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court |
|
|
Mr Simon LEE
Department of Justice |
|
|
Mr Thomas KWONG
Legal Aid Department |
|
|
Ms Teresa CHENG, SC
Hong Kong Bar Association |
|
|
Mr Victor DAWES
Hong Kong Bar Association |
|
|
Mr Norris YANG
Law Society of Hong Kong |
|
|
Mrs Cecilia WONG
Law Society of Hong Kong |
|
|
Mr CHAN Bing-woon, SBS, JP
Hong Kong Mediation Council |
|
|
Ms Sylvia SIU
Hong Kong Mediation Centre |
| - |
In Attendance |
Ms Annie TANG
Deputy Judiciary Administrator (Development) |
| - |
Secretary |
Ms Joyce LEUNG
Senior Judiciary Executive (Development)2 |
|
|
Membership List of the Court Users' Committees
Civil Court Users' Committee
| - |
Chairman |
The Hon Mr Justice WOO, GBS, V-P
Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court |
| - |
Members |
The Hon Madam Justice YUEN, JA
Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court |
|
|
The Hon Madam Justice CHU
Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court |
|
|
The Hon Mr Justice LAM
Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court |
|
|
His Honour Judge LI
Chief District Judge |
|
|
Ms AU YEUNG Kwai-yue, Queeny
Registrar, High Court |
|
|
Mr Joseph FOK, S.C.
Hong Kong Bar Association |
|
|
Mr LAI Ting-hong
Law Society of Hong Kong |
|
|
Mr Bernard M B HUI |
|
|
Ms Cathy WONG
Department of Justice |
|
|
Mr Thomas KWONG
Legal Aid Department |
|
|
Ms Polly YIP
Official Receiver's Office |
| - |
In Attendance |
Mr NG Sek-hon
Deputy Judiciary Administrator (Operations) |
|
|
Ms Frieda LEUNG
Chief Judiciary Executive (Judicial Support)1 |
| - |
Secretary |
Mrs Susanna TSE
Senior Judiciary Executive (Development)1 |
Criminal Court Users' Committee
| - |
Chairman |
The Hon Mr Justice PANG
Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court |
| - |
Members |
The Hon Mr Justice TONG
Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court |
|
|
The Hon Mr Justice LUNN
Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court |
|
|
His Honour Judge LI
District Judge |
|
|
Ms AU YEUNG Kwai-yue, Queeny
Registrar, High Court |
|
|
Mr TONG Man
Chief Magistrate |
|
|
Mr WONG Man-kit, S.C.
Hong Kong Bar Association |
|
|
Mr Stephen HUNG
Law Society of Hong Kong |
|
|
Dr Winnie TANG
(up to 22.2.2008) |
|
|
Mr Daniel LAI, BBS, JP
(w.e.f. 23.2.2008) |
|
|
Mr Kevin ZERVOS, S.C.
Department of Justice |
|
|
Mr Thomas KWONG
Legal Aid Department |
|
|
Ms Grace WONG
Duty Lawyer Service |
| - |
Co-opted Member |
Ms Rebecca LI
Independent Commission Against Corruption |
|
|
Mr NG Kam-wing
Hong Kong Police Force |
| - |
In Attendance |
Mr NG Sek-hon
Deputy Judiciary Administrator (Operations) |
|
|
Ms Frieda LEUNG
Chief Judiciary Executive (Judicial Support)1 |
| - |
Secretary |
Mrs Susanna TSE
Senior Judiciary Executive (Development)1 |
Family Court Users' Committee
| - |
Chairman |
Her Honour Judge CHU
Judge-in-charge of the Family Court |
| - |
Members |
His Honour Judge CHAN
Family Court Judge |
|
|
Her Honour Judge MELLOY
Family Court Judge |
|
|
His Honour Judge LI
Chief District Judge |
|
|
Ms Jacqueline LEONG, S.C. |
|
|
Ms Corinne REMEDIOS |
|
|
Ms KONG Yuen-Hoong |
|
|
Mr Dennis HO |
|
|
Mr Robin EGERTON |
|
|
Mr Chris CHONG
Legal Aid Department
(up to 25.6.2008) |
|
|
Mrs Christina HADIWIBAWA
Legal Aid Department
(w.e.f. 26.6.2008) |
|
|
Ms Anna MAK
Social Welfare Department |
| - |
In Attendance |
Mr NG Sek-hon
Deputy Judiciary Administrator (Operations) |
|
|
Mr Kenneth LIU
Chief Judicial Clerk (Family Court) |
| - |
Secretary |
Mrs Susanna TSE
Senior Judiciary Executive (Development)1 |
|
|
Membership List of the Judicial Studies Board
| - |
Chairman |
The Hon Mr Justice WOO, GBS, V-P
Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court |
| - |
Members |
The Hon Mr Justice STOCK, JA
Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court |
|
|
The Hon Mr Justice SUFFIAD
Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court |
|
|
The Hon Mr Justice TONG
Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court |
|
|
The Hon Mrs Justice BARNES
Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court |
|
|
The Hon Mr Justice WRIGHT
Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court |
|
|
Miss Emma LAU
Judiciary Administrator |
|
|
Ms AU YEUNG Kwai-yue, Queeny
Registrar, High Court |
|
|
His Honour Judge LI
Chief District Judge |
|
|
Mr TONG Man
Chief Magistrate |
|
|
Mr Gavin SHIU
Department of Justice |
|
|
Mr Clive GROSSMAN, SC
Hong Kong Bar Association
(up to 10.2.2008) |
|
|
Ms Audrey CAMPBELL-MOFFAT
Hong Kong Bar Association
(w.e.f. 11.2.2008) |
|
|
Mr Alex LAI
The Law Society of Hong Kong |
|
|
Mr Eric CHEUNG
The University of Hong Kong |
|
|
Mr Tony UPHAM
City University of Hong Kong |
|
|
Professor Stephen HALL
The Chinese University of Hong Kong |
| - |
Secretary |
Ms Charling LI
Acting Chief Judiciary Executive (Judges and Judicial Officers) |
|
|
Judiciary Administration
Judiciary Administration
| Miss Emma LAU , Judiciary Administrator |
Operations Division
| Mr NG Sek-hon, Deputy Judiciary Administrator (Operations) |
| Ms Betty CHAN, Acting Chief Judiciary Executive (Operations) [w.e.f. 29.9.2008] |
| |
| (a) |
Judicial Support's Office |
Ms Frieda LEUNG |
Chief Judiciary Executive (Judicial Support)1 |
| (b) |
Clerk of Court's Office |
Mr Roger LAW |
Chief Judiciary Executive (Judicial Support)2 / Clerk of Court |
| (c) |
Court of Final Appeal Registry |
Mr Joe CHENG |
Senior Judicial Clerk I (Court of Final Appeal) |
| (d) |
High Court Registry |
Ms Judy FUNG |
Chief Judicial Clerk (High Court Registry) |
| (e) |
District Court |
Mr K H CHENG |
Chief Judicial Clerk (Registry, District Court) |
|
|
Mr Stanford KONG |
Acting Chief Judicial Clerk (Courts, District Court) [up to 27.1.2008] |
|
|
Mrs Flora CHUNG |
Acting Chief Judicial Clerk (Courts, District Court) [w.e.f. 28.1.2008] |
| (f) |
Family Court Registry |
Mr Kenneth LIU |
Chief Judicial Clerk (Family Court) |
| (g) |
Lands Tribunal Registry |
Ms Evelyn CHEUNG |
Chief Judicial Clerk (Lands Tribunal) |
| (h) |
Magistrates' Courts General Office |
Mr James WONG |
Senior Judiciary Executive (Magistracies) |
| (i) |
Probate Registry |
Mr H F HUI |
Chief Probate Officer |
| (j) |
Labour Tribunal Registry |
Mr W M WONG |
Acting Registrar (Labour Tribunal) |
| (k) |
Small Claims Tribunal Registry |
Mr Calvin YAU |
Senior Judiciary Clerk I (Small Claims Tribunal) |
| (l) |
CJR Integrated Team |
Mr Y M TAM |
Senior Judiciary Executive (Civil Justice Reform)1 |
| (m) |
Court Language Section |
Ms Celina WONG |
Chief Judiciary Executive (Court Language) |
|
|
Ms Florence NG |
Acting Chief Court Interpreter [up to 1.5.2008] |
|
|
Ms Yvonne CHAU |
Chief Court Interpreter [w.e.f. 2.5.2008] |
| (n) |
Court Orders Section |
Mr Sunny KWAN |
Chief Bailiff (Administration and Admiralty) |
|
|
Mr T M CHOI |
Chief Bailiff (Operations) |
| (o) |
Complaints Office |
Ms Joanna CHUNG |
Acting Senior Judiciary Executive (Complaints) |
| (p) |
Legal Reference and Library Section |
Ms Miranda FUNG |
Acting Senior Judiciary Executive (Legal Reference and Library) |
| (q) |
Court Reporters Office |
Ms Maggie CHENG |
Senior Court Reporter (Development) |
| (r) |
Mediation Coordinator's Office |
Ms April LAM |
Mediation Coordinator |
Development Division
| Ms Annie TANG, Deputy Judiciary Administrator (Development) |
| |
| (a) |
Development Office |
Ms Vega WONG |
Assistant Judiciary Administrator (Development) [up to 3.8.2008] |
|
|
Ms Clara TANG |
Assistant Judiciary Administrator (Development) [w.e.f. 4.8.2008] |
| (b) |
Press & Public Relations Office |
Ms Lina TING |
Principal Information Officer |
Quality Division
| Ms Dora FU, Assistant Judiciary Administrator (Quality and Operations) |
| |
| (a) |
Information Technology Management Section |
Mr Danny NG |
Acting Chief Judiciary Executive (Information Technology) [up to 15.6.2008] |
|
|
Mr Allen LEUNG |
Chief Judiciary Executive (Information Technology) [from 16.6.2008 to 3.8.2008] |
|
|
Mr Patrick CHAN |
Chief Judiciary Executive (Information Technology) [w.e.f. 4.8.2008] |
| (b) |
Management Review Section |
Mrs Catherine KWAN |
Chief Judiciary Executive (Management Review) [up to 31.3.2008] |
|
|
Ms Cora CHENG |
Acting Chief Judiciary Executive (Management Review) [w.e.f. 1.4.2008] |
| (c) |
Management Information Section |
Ms Peggy CHAN |
Senior Judiciary Executive (Management Information) |
Corporate Services Division
| Mr Clement LI, Assistant Judiciary Administrator (Corporate Services) [up to 26.10.2008] |
| Mrs Angela LO, Acting Assistant Judiciary Administrator (Corporate Services) [w.e.f. 27.10.2008] |
| |
| (a) |
Finance Section |
Ms Melody WONG |
Chief Judiciary Executive (Finance) |
| (b) |
Judges and Judicial Officers Section |
Ms Charling LI |
Acting Chief Judiciary Executive (Judges and Judicial Officers) |
| (c) |
Support Staff Section |
Ms Estella FUNG |
Chief Judiciary Executive (Support Staff) |
| (d) |
Accommodation Section |
Mrs Lowell CHO |
Acting Chief Judiciary Executive (Accommodation) |
|
|
Training Activities Organised /
Co-ordinated by the Judicial Studies Board
| Date |
Activity |
| 7.1.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "Capital Markets Competitiveness and the Forced Internationalization of US Securities Regulation", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 11.1.2008 |
* Roundtable on "IP, Media and Competition Law", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 19.1.2008 |
* "Asia Intellectual Property Forum - Opportunity for Developing Countries", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 22.1.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "The New Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan and Better Regulation Issues", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 23.1.2008 |
* Lecture entitled "Access to Knowledge: An Introduction", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 26.1.2008 |
Visit to the Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau of the Customs and Excise Department, organised by the Judicial Studies Board |
| 21.2.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "Certainty in Contractual Damages Assessment", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 25.2.2008 |
* Talk on "Legitimate Expectation in Administrative Law", organised by Hong Kong Bar Association |
| 8.3.2008 |
Visit to Immigration Service Institute of Training and Development of Immigration Department, organised by the Judicial Studies Board |
| 10.3.2008 |
* Talk on "The Codification of Directors' Duties Under the New UK Companies Act 2006", organised by Hong Kong Bar Association |
| 10.3.2008 |
* Public Lecture entitled "The Role of The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in the Development Process", organised by the City University of Hong Kong |
| 11.3 - 27.5.2008 |
Refresher Putonghua Course, organised by the Judicial Studies Board |
| 13.3.2008 |
* Talk on "Handling Commercial Litigation Involving Regulators", organised by Hong Kong Bar Association |
| 14.3.2008 |
* Talk on "Life Sentences and Human Rights", organised by Hong Kong Bar Association |
| 17.3.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "The Meaning and Reach of a Contractual Choice of Law Clause in International Financial Transactions", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 18.3.2008 |
Briefing on the Referring System on Building Management Mediation Co-ordinator's Office, organised by the Judicial Studies Board |
| 18.3.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "Dynastic Chinese Law and the Modern Chinese Legal Identity", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 19.3.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "Comparative Perspectives on Digital Copyright Reform: Lessons from Abroad and Beyond", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 25.3.2008 |
* Symposium on "The PRC 2006 Enterprise Bankruptcy Law: A New Beginning?", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 27.3.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "Transnationalisation of Law and Finance", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 2 - 6.4.2008 |
Educational Programme of the Annual Meeting, organised by the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (held in Rome) |
| 3.4.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "Corporate Governance and Shareholder Litigation", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 10.4.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "Legal Reform in Transition Countries: the EBRD Approach", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 22.4.2008 |
Talk on "The Role of the Courts in the Development of the Law" by the Rt Hon Justice Gault, Non-permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal, organised by the Judicial Studies Board |
| 24.4.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "The International Legal Protection of the Amazon", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 26.4.2008 |
* Forum on "Towards Full Inclusion: Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Human Rights", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 6.5.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "Islamic Finance and ADR", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 15 & 16.5.2008 |
* Conjoint Annual Scientific Congress, jointly orgnised by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the College of Surgeons of Hong Kong |
| 21.5.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "The Shareholder Empowerment Debate: Lessons from News Corp's Exodus to Delaware", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 22.5.2008 |
* Public Lecture entitled "Modernisation of EU Competition Policy - A Model for the New Chinese Anti-Monopoly Law?", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 26.5.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "Human Trafficking: Regional and International Perspectives?", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 27.5.2008 |
* Public Lecture entitled "Getting Disputes Resolved: Dispute Resolution System Design", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 30.5.2008 |
* Employment Disputes Conference on "Workplace Fairness Disputes in a Global Community: Hong Kong and PRC Perspectives", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 12.6.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "Dating Games in the U.S. Executive Suite: A Scandal Hong Kong Can Avoid", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 13.6.2008 |
* Public Lecture entitled 'Traps' or 'Gaps': Assessing China's Uneven Legal Transition and Development", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 19.6.2008 |
* Public Lecture entitled "Professional Indemnity Insurance", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 21.6.2008 |
Visit to the Independent Commission Against Corruption, organised by the Judicial Studies Board |
| 23.6.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "Achieving Tax Reform: Consultation in a Tax Policy Network", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 8.7.2008 |
* Public Lecture entitled "Would Wider Authorization to Use Military Force Abroad Make Us Safer?", organised by the City University of Hong Kong |
| 9.7.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "Intoxication Is Never a Defence", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 11 - 12 & 14 - 16.7.2008 |
* Mediator Skills Accreditation Course, organised by Hong Kong Bar Association |
| 21.7.2008 |
* Private Law Symposium, organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 25.7.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "Shareholderism: Board Members' Values and the Shareholder-Stakeholder Dilemma", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 9.9.2008 |
* Lecture entitled "The Challenge of Civil Justice Reform: Delivering Law Enforcement at Proportionate Cost and in Reasonable Time", organised by the City University of Hong Kong |
| 9.9.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "William Blackstone and His Impact on the Rise of Modern Constitutionalism", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 10.9.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "Civil Justice in Asia: Recent Developments, organised by the City University of Hong Kong |
| 12.9.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "Constitutional Adjudication and Populist Democracy: When Hard Cases Make Really Bad Law", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 12.9.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "The Interpretation of Article 56 of the European Community Treaty", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 22.9, 29.9, 30.9, 2.10, 9.10 & 10.10.2008 |
Lectures on the main reform areas of Civil Justice Reform, organised by the Judicial Studies Board |
| 23.9.2008 |
* Lecture entitled "East Asian Economic Community: Prospects and Challenges", organised by the City University of Hong Kong |
| 24 - 26.9.2008 |
* 3rd Asia Pacific Regional Conference of the Hague Conference on Private International Law, jointly organised by the Hague Conference on Private International Law and the Department of Justice |
| 26.9.2008 |
* Law Lectures For Practitioners 2008, organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 22.10.2008 - 20.3.2009 |
Civil Justice Reform Training Small-class Sessions for all Judges and Judicial Officers, organised by the Judicial Studies Board |
| 24.10.2008 |
* Panel Discussion on "Human Rights and Rule of Law", organised by Hong Kong Academy of Law |
| 24.10.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "The Global Credit Crisis: Causes and Consequences", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 29.10.2008 |
* Talk on "Ten Years of Human Rights Litigation in the HKSAR - Any Progress?", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 31.10.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "Integrated and Inclusive Regulatory Management of Animal Welfare in New Zealand", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 4.11.2008 |
* Public Lecture entitled "Global Trends in Mediation: The 2008 European Parliament Mediation Directive", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 6.11.2008 |
* Public Lecture entitled "The Law of Monopoly Control in the EC and UK", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 7.11.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "Criminal Justice in Singapore - Winds of Change?", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 7.11.2008 |
4th Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration Incorporated Appellate Judges' Conference, organised by the Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration (held in Melbourne, Australia) |
| 17 & 18.11.2008 |
Mediation Training Course, organised by the Judicial Studies Board |
| 25.11.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "Protecting the Rights of Refugees in the Global South", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 26.11.2008 |
* Public Lecture entitled "Antitrust Law in China and Hong Kong - A Critical Perspective", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 28.11.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "Credit Default Swaps - Why Were They So Popular and What Was Their Part in the Financial Crisis?", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 4 & 5.12.2008 |
* Conference: "Legal Development in East Asia: China - Vietnam Compared", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 6.12.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "Law Making and Enforcement in China", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 8 & 9.12.2008 |
* The 4th Annual Competition Law and Policy Conference, organised by the Hong Kong Polytehnic University |
| 10.12.2008 |
* Lecture entitled "The Phenomenon and Implications of Cross-Cultural Convergence of Corporate Income Tax: A Case Study of China and Canada", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 10 - 12.12.2008 |
* Conference on "Effective Judicial Review: A Cornerstone of Good Governance, jointly organised by the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the University of Cambridge |
| 10.12.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "The Situation of Human Rights Lawyers in China", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| 18.12.2008 |
* Seminar entitled "Tax in the Virtual World", organised by the University of Hong Kong |
| * Organised by Local Outside Organisations |
|
|
Number of Visits and Visitors to the Judiciary in 2007 and 2008
| |
2007 |
2008
(as at 30 Sep) |
| Local |
|
|
| No. of visits |
193 |
99 |
| No. of visitors |
6 117 |
2 748 |
| The
Mainland of China |
|
|
| No. of visits |
40 |
30 |
| No. of visitors |
844 |
627 |
| Overseas |
|
|
| No. of visits |
19 |
18 |
| No. of visitors |
289 |
201 |
| Total |
|
|
| No.
of visits |
252 |
147 |
| No.
of visitors |
7 250 |
3 576 |
|
| |
Number
of Visitors |
| Category
of Visitors |
2007 |
2008
(as at 30 Sep) |
| Judges and
legal profession |
469 |
264 |
| Government
officials |
230 |
102 |
| Students and
others |
6 551 |
3 210 |
| Total |
7 250 |
3 576 |
|
|
|
Expenditure and Revenue of the Judiciary for 2007-2008
Recurrent
Expenditure
| |
|
2007-2008
($' 000) |
| - |
Personal Emoluments |
689,260 |
| - |
Departmental Expenses |
191,391 |
| - |
Other Charges |
5,971 |
| |
Total |
886,622 |
Revenue*
| |
|
2007-2008
($' 000) |
| - |
Fees & Charges |
158,818 |
| - |
Fines |
244,849 |
| - |
Forfeitures & Others |
34,979 |
| |
Total |
438,646 |
|
*
|
Revenue collected by the Judiciary forms part of the Government's General Revenue |
|
|
Number of Complaints Against Judges and Judicial Officers
| |
Nature of
Complaints |
2008
(up to 30 Sep) |
| (1) |
Complaints against judges' decisions |
63 |
| (2) |
Complaints against judges' conduct |
30 |
| (3) |
Complaints against both the
judicial decisions
and the judge's conduct |
31 |
| |
Total |
124 |
| Note |
| (a) |
Item (2) includes complaints concerning
the handling of complaints by court leaders. |
| (b) |
The total no. of cases disposed of by Judges and Judicial Officers in 2008 (up to 30 Sep) is 401,272. |
|
|
Number of Complaints Against the Judiciary Administration
| |
Nature of
Complaints |
2008*
(up to 30 Sep) |
| - |
Complaints about procedures |
39 |
| - |
Complaints about facilities |
13 |
| - |
Complaints about the judicial
support services |
16 |
| - |
Complaints against staff of
the Judiciary Administration |
77 |
| |
Total |
145 |
|
*
|
Oral complaints included |
|
|
|