香港2009年司法机构年报

香港2009年司法机构年报 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 2009. Civil Justice Reform 2. The Civil Justice Reform was implemented on 2 April 2009 as scheduled. Progress has since been monitored under a new Civil Justice Reform Monitoring Committee set up under the Chairmanship of the Chief Judge, High Court, the Hon Mr Justice Ma. The Monitoring Committee draws contributions from Judges of different court levels, as well as members from the legal and mediation profession and members from the legal departments of the Administration. The objective of the Monitoring Committee is to oversee the working of the reformed system and to make suggestions to the Chief Justice to ensure the system’s effective operation. Mediation 3. An objective of the Civil Justice Reform is to facilitate the settlement of disputes. Courts have the duty as part of active case management to further this objective by encouraging and facilitating the use of alternative dispute resolution procedures such as mediation. 4. To this effect, two Practice Directions on mediation in specific areas were implemented in 2009: Practice Direction 6.1 on the Construction and Arbitration List in April 2009 and LTPD: BM No. 1/2009 on Case Management and Mediation in Building Management Cases in July 2009. 5. On 1 January 2010, two new Practice Directions on mediation will be implemented: Practice Direction 31 on Mediation which aims to assist the courts as part of case management to facilitate the settlement of disputes by encouraging parties to use mediation; and Practice Direction 3.3 which is specifically for mediation in petitions presented under sections 168A and 177(1)(f) of the Companies Ordinance, Cap. 32. 6. In addition, to better assist the parties to understand the nature of mediation, a new Mediation Information Office will be launched on 4 January 2010 to provide relevant information. The Office will be located in the High Court Building. Recruitment of Judges and Judicial Officers 7. A series of recruitment exercises were conducted this year with a view to reinforcing judicial manpower resources at various levels of court. On the recommendation of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission and with the approval of the Chief Executive, 24 and 11 judicial appointments took effect on 28 September 2009 and 1 December 2009 respectively. Relocation of the Court of Final Appeal 8. In April 2009, the Chief Executive announced that the Administration had agreed to hand over the Legislative Council Building to the Judiciary for the relocation of the Court of Final Appeal upon the move of the Legislative Council to the new Tamar site. 9. We welcome the Administration's agreement. The existing building of the Court of Final Appeal is manifestly inadequate for Judges and court users. The relocation will result in much improvement and enhance the smooth functioning of the Court. We will plan the relocation carefully and every effort will be made to ensure that the functioning of the Court will not be affected during the relocation. Judiciary Administration 10. The Judiciary Administration continues to strive to provide quality services in support of the administration of justice. We are delighted that the Registry of the Lands Tribunal obtained the ISO 9001:2000 re-certification for its Registry and Court Support Services in May while the General Offices of seven Magistrates' Courts, the Registries of the Small Claim Tribunal and the Bailiff Section also achieved good results in the 2009 surveillance audits for ISO certification. 11. We hope that you will enjoy reading this Report and gain a better understanding of our work. Andrew Li Chief Justice Highlights of Events 2009 January 12 The Hon Chief Justice Andrew Li declared opening of the 2009 Legal Year 13 A 40-member delegation from eight overseas law societies and bar associations visited the Judiciary 15-16 The Hon Mr Justice Michael J Hartmann, Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court, and the Hon Mr Justice Darryl G Saw, Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court, attended the Conference on Direct Judicial Communications on Family Law Matters and the Development of Judicial Networks in Brussels, Belgium 22-23 Her Honour Judge Sharon D Melloy, District Judge, visited the Principal Registry of the Family Division of the High Court in London, United Kingdom February 2-12 Mr Simon Kwang, Acting Registrar of the Court of Final Appeal, attended the Special Commission Meeting on the Practical Operation of Four Hague Conventions in The Hague, the Netherlands 23 The Hon Mr Justice Henry Denis Litton, Non-Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal, gave a talk on "The Firm Habits of Highly Effective Judges" at the High Court 24 Mr Zhao Dacheng, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, the People's Republic of China, visited the Judiciary March 10 A 10-member delegation of officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China, visited the Judiciary 13 A 14-member delegation of Mainland judges visited the Judiciary 26 A six-member delegation from the Civil Justice Council, the United Kingdom, visited the Judiciary 27 A six-member delegation from Tianjian Municipal Supervision Bureau, the People's Republic of China, led by Chairman Mr Tang Hainan, visited the Judiciary 31 Judge Chuck Miller, Senior Trial and Appellate Judge on Assignment from the Texas Supreme Court, the United States, visited the Judiciary April 3 Academics and anti-corruption experts from the United States, the United Kingdom, the Mainland and Macao visited the Judiciary 5 The Hon Chief Justice Andrew Li delivered opening remarks and chaired a discussion session at the Patron Chief Justices' Meeting of the Commonwealth Judicial Education Institute 6 The Hon Chief Justice Andrew Li delivered an opening address at the 16th Commonwealth Law Conference 7 The Hon Rob Hulls, Deputy Premier, Attorney-General and Minister for Racing of the State of Victoria, Australia, visited the Judiciary 8 The Hon Chief Justice Georgina T. Woods of Ghana visited the Judiciary 9 A 10-member delegation of judges from Ghana visited the Judiciary 21-22 A three-member delegation from the Singapore Legal Aid Bureau and the Ministry of Law visited the Judiciary 25.4-3.5 The Hon Mr Justice R A V Ribeiro, Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal, attended a conference on the 50th anniversary of the French National School for the Judiciary (L'Ecole Nationale de la Magistrature) in Bordeaux, France May 15-17 His Honour Judge Kevin A Browne, District Judge, attended the Conference on Corporate Crime and the Credit Crunch in Dublin, Ireland 18 A 30-member delegation of Mainland judges studying for Master of Laws at the City University of Hong Kong visited the Judiciary 21-22 A 37-member delegation from the Canadian Association of Provincial Court Judges visited the Judiciary 29.5-1.6 The Hon Chief Justice Andrew Li attended the Qatar Law Forum in Doha, Qatar June 6-11 The Hon Chief Justice Andrew Li; the Hon Mr Justice Patrick Chan, Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal; the Hon Mr Justice Geoffrey Ma, Chief Judge of the High Court; the Hon Mr Justice Louis Tong and the Hon Mr Justice Andrew Cheung, Judges of the Court of First Instance of the High Court, on the invitation of the Supreme People's Court of the People's Republic of China, called on Mainland judges and visited courts at Shandong and Henan to exchange views and experiences 9 A five-member delegation from the Taiwan Judiciary visited the Judiciary 15 A 28-member delegation of Mainland judges attending the Advanced Programme for Chinese Senior Judges at the Law School of the City University of Hong Kong visited the Judiciary 20-24 The Hon Madam Justice Susan Kwan and the Hon Mr Justice Aarif T Barma, Judges of the Court of First Instance of the High Court, attended the Eighth Multinational Judicial Colloquium on Insolvency and INSOL 2009 Quadrennial Congress in Vancouver, Canada 26 The term of office of 12 Non-Permanent Judges of the Court of Final Appeal consisting of four Hong Kong judges and eight judges from other common law jurisdictions was extended for a period of three years: Non-permanent Hong Kong Judges Sir Noel Plunkett Power, GBS Mr Gerald Paul Nazareth, GBS Mr John Barry Mortimer, GBS The Hon Henry Denis Litton, GBM Non-permanent Judges from Other Common Law Jurisdictions Mr Michael McHugh The Rt. Hon Sir Thomas Munro Gault The Hon Sir Anthony Mason The Hon Sir Gerard Brennan The Rt. Hon the Lord Millett The Rt. Hon the Lord Woolf of Barnes The Rt. Hon the Lord Scott of Foscote The Rt. Hon the Lord Hoffmann July 7 The Hon Mr Justice Frank Stock, Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court, was appointed as Vice-President of the Court of Appeal of the High Court 13 Members of the Panel on Administration of Justice and Legal Services of the Legislative Council visited the Judiciary 21 A 13-member delegation of educators attending the Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Programme (Language Group) of the National Committee on United States-China Relations, the United States, visited the Judiciary 28-31 The Hon Mr Justice R A V Ribeiro, Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal, attended the Law Conference on Legal Boundaries, Common Problems and the Role of Supreme Courts in London, United Kingdom 29 A 11-member delegation of educators attending the Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Programme (History Group) of the National Committee on United States-China Relations, the United States, visited the Judiciary 31 The Hon Mr Justice Geoffrey Ma, Chief Judge of the High Court, gave a talk to the Law Reform Consultative Committee of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government in Macao August 4-7 The Hon Mr Justice Peter Cheung, Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court and Her Honour Judge Bebe Chu, District Judge, attended the International Family Justice Judicial Conference for Common Law and Commonwealth Jurisdictions in London, United Kingdom 7-9 The Hon Mr Justice K K Pang, Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court, attended a conference on "Anti-Torture and Judicial Reform in China" in Beijing 17-20 The Hon Chief Justice Andrew Li, on the invitation of the Chief Justice of Singapore, called on judges and visited various levels of court in Singapore. The Hon Chief Justice Andrew Li also delivered a talk on the Development of the Common Law in Hong Kong under "One Country, Two Systems" at the Singapore Academy of Law Annual Lecture 2009 23-26 Her Honour Judge Sharon D Melloy, District Judge, attended the Fifth World Congress on Family Law and Children's Rights in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada September 2 The Hon Chief Justice Andrew Li decided to take early retirement, ceasing service on 31.8.2010 and commencing pre-retirement leave on 1.9.2010 4 A 10-member delegation from five Mainland Justice Bureaux visited the Judiciary 16 A 45-member delegation of Mainland judges visited the Judiciary 17 A 13-member Guangdong-Hong Kong legal affairs study delegation, led by Mr Yang Rihua, Deputy Director-General, Department of Justice, Guangdong, the People's Republic of China, visited the Judiciary 23-25 Master Katina Levy, Deputy Registrar of the High Court, visited the High Court Registry of the United Kingdom 28 The Honourable Madam Justice Susan Kwan was appointed as Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court His Honour Judge Anthony To, His Honour Judge Peter J Line, Her Honour Judge Maggie Poon, His Honour Judge Derek Pang, and His Honour Judge Colin R Mackintosh were appointed as Judges of the Court of First Instance of the High Court Her Honour Judge Bebe Chu was appointed as Principal Family Court Judge Mr Garry Tallentire, Mr Eddie Yip Chor-man, Mrs Katina Levy LAW Suet-mui, Mr Chan Chan-kok, Mr Simon Kwang Cheok-weung, Mr Albert Wong Sung-hau, Mr Frankie Yiu Fun-che, Mr Wong King-wah, Mr Poon Siu-tung, Mr Justin Ko King-sau and Mr Douglas Yau Tak-hong were appointed as District Judges Mr Anthony Chow Siu-wo, Mr Anthony Kwok Kai-on and Mr TAM Lee-cheung were appointed as Principal Magistrates Mr Raymond Wong Kwok-fai, Ms Chan Wai-mun and Miss Josephine Chow Pok-fun were appointed as Magistrates October 1 The Hon Chief Justice Andrew Li; the Hon Mr Justice Geoffrey Ma, Chief Judge of the High Court; the Hon Mr Justice Anthony G Rogers, Vice-President of the Court of Appeal of the High Court and the Hon Mr Justice Barnabas Fung, Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court, attended the celebrations of the 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China in Beijing 10-18 The Hon Chief Justice Andrew Li attended the Opening Ceremony of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom and took part in speaking engagements hosted by the University of Cambridge Hong Kong and China Affairs Society, the Hong Kong Society, the Committee of the Hong Kong Association, and the London School of Economics Student Union Hong Kong Public Affairs and Social Service Society in London, United Kingdom 19 An eight-member delegation from Supreme People's Court of People's Republic of China visited the Judiciary 22-23 A 20-member delegation from Dongguan Number Two People's Court of the People's Republic of China visited the Judiciary 27 A nine-member delegation from the Supreme Court of the Philippines visited the Judiciary November 3 An eight-member delegation of officials from the Ministry of Justice, the People's Republic of China, visited the Judiciary 3 Judge Moshe Gal, Director of Courts in Israel and President of a District Court, together with another Israeli Judge visited the Judiciary 8-12 The Hon Chief Justice Andrew Li attended the 13th Conference of Chief Justices of Asia and the Pacific in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 20 Mr Benjamin Yu, SC was re-appointed as Recorder of the Court of First Instance of the High Court 24 The Rt. Hon the Lord Walker of Gestingthorpe, Non-Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal, gave a talk on "The first nine years of the UK Human Rights Act" at the High Court 24 An 11-member delegation from the High People's Court of Guangdong Province visited the Judiciary 27-28 The Hon Mr Justice Anselmo F T Reyes, Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court, attended the International Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution Conference in Sydney, Australia December 1 His Honour Judge H C Au was appointed as Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court Mr Jonathan R Harris, SC was appointed as Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court Mr Pang Ka-kwong, Mr Wong Lai-wing, Mr Dick Ho Chin-pang, Mr Simon Lui Kin-man, Mr Lawrence Yip Sue-pui, Mr So Wai-tak, Mr Cheung Kwan-ming, Mr Jason Wan Siu-ming and Miss Ivy Chui Yee-mei were appointed as Magistrates 15 The Hon Chief Justice Andrew Li delivered a keynote address on "Fighting Corruption under the Rule of Law" at the 4th ICAC Symposium 22 A 47-member delegation from the Hainan Provincial Procuratorate visited the Judiciary List of Judges and Judicial Officers Court of Final Appeal - Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal The Hon Chief Justice Andrew LI, GBM - Permanent Judges of the Court of Final Appeal The Hon Mr Justice S K S BOKHARY The Hon Mr Justice Patrick CHAN The Hon Mr Justice R A V RIBEIRO - Non-Permanent Judges of the Court of Final Appeal Mr William James SILKE (up to 27.7.2009) Mr Kutlu Tekin FUAD (up to 27.7.2009) Sir Noel Plunkett POWER, GBS * Mr Gerald Paul NAZARETH, GBS Mr John Barry MORTIMER, GBS The Hon Henry Denis LITTON, GBM The Hon Sir Anthony MASON The Rt Hon the Lord HOFFMANN The Hon Sir Gerard BRENNAN The Rt Hon Sir Thomas EICHELBAUM (up to 27.7.2009) The Rt Hon the Lord MILLETT The Rt Hon the Lord WOOLF of Barnes The Rt Hon the Lord SCOTT of Foscote The Rt Hon Sir Ivor RICHARDSON (up to 27.7.2009) Mr Michael McHUGH The Rt Hon Sir Thomas Munro GAULT Mr Murray GLEESON (w.e.f. 1.3.2009) The Rt Hon the Lord WALKER of Gestingthorpe (w.e.f. 1.3.2009) The Rt Hon the Lord NEUBERGER of Abbotsbury (w.e.f. 1.3.2009) * It is with great sadness that Sir Noel Plunkett POWER, GBS passed away on 19.11.2009 High Court - Chief Judge of the High Court The Hon Mr Justice Geoffrey MA - Justices of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court The Hon Mr Justice Michael STUART-MOORE, V-P # The Hon Mr Justice Anthony G ROGERS, V-P The Hon Mr Justice K H WOO, GBS, V-P The Hon Mr Justice Robert TANG, SBS, V-P The Hon Mr Justice Frank STOCK, V-P (w.e.f. 7.7.2009) The Hon Mrs Justice Doreen LE PICHON, JA The Hon Mr Justice Peter CHEUNG, JA The Hon Mr Justice Wally YEUNG, JA The Hon Madam Justice Maria C YUEN, JA The Hon Mr Justice Michael J HARTMANN, JA The Hon Madam Justice Susan KWAN, JA (w.e.f. 28.9.2009) - Judges of the Court of First Instance of the High Court The Hon Mr Justice David YAM The Hon Mr Justice Michael P BURRELL # The Hon Mrs Justice Verina S BOKHARY The Hon Mr Justice K K PANG The Hon Mr Justice William D STONE The Hon Madam Justice Clare-Marie BEESON The Hon Mr Justice Azizul R SUFFIAD The Hon Mr Justice Arjan H SAKHRANI The Hon Mr Justice Andrew CHUNG The Hon Madam Justice Carlye CHU The Hon Mr Justice Louis TONG The Hon Madam Justice Susan KWAN (up to 27.9.2009) The Hon Mr Justice Michael A McMAHON The Hon Mr Justice Johnson LAM The Hon Mr Justice Andrew CHEUNG The Hon Mr Justice Michael V LUNN The Hon Mr Justice Aarif T BARMA The Hon Mr Justice Anselmo F T REYES The Hon Mr Justice Barnabas FUNG The Hon Mrs Justice Judianna W L BARNES The Hon Mr Justice Alan R WRIGHT The Hon Mr Justice S C POON The Hon Mr Justice John L SAUNDERS The Hon Mr Justice Darryl G SAW The Hon Mr Justice Anthony TO (w.e.f. 28.9.2009) The Hon Mr Justice Peter J LINE (w.e.f. 28.9.2009) The Hon Madam Justice Maggie POON (w.e.f. 28.9.2009) The Hon Mr Justice Derek PANG (w.e.f. 28.9.2009) The Hon Mr Justice Colin R MACKINTOSH (w.e.f. 28.9.2009) The Hon Mr Justice H C AU (w.e.f. 1.12.2009) The Hon Mr Justice Jonathan R HARRIS (w.e.f. 1.12.2009) - Recorders of the Court of First Instance of the High Court Miss Jacqueline Pamela LEONG, SC (up to 30.11.2009) Mr KWOK Hing-wai, Kenneth, BBS, SC, JP (up to 30.11.2009) Mr Lawrence LOK, SC (up to 30.11.2009) Mr Benjamin YU, SBS, SC, JP Mr Joseph P FOK, SC, JP (up to 30.11.2009) Mr FUNG Pak-tung, Patrick, SC Mr Andrew Colin MACRAE, SC Mr Ambrose HO, SC, JP Mr JAT Sew-tong, SC Mr CHAN Kin-keung, Anthony, SC Mr Rimsky YUEN, SC Mr SHIEH Wing-tai, Paul, SC - Registrar, High Court Ms AU YEUNG Kwai-yue, Queeny - Deputy Registrars, High Court Mr HO Chi-yin, Andy Ms KWAN Ka-ching, Betty # Mr LUNG Kim-wan # Retired in 2009 District Court - Chief District Judge His Honour Judge Patrick LI - Principal Family Court Judge Her Honour Judge Bebe CHU (w.e.f. 28.9.2009) - District Judges His Honour Judge Peter K M LONGLEY His Honour Judge Bernard W K WHALEY # His Honour Judge Brian L de SOUZA His Honour Judge Bruno CHAN Her Honour Judge H C WONG His Honour Judge Anthony TO (up to 27.9.2009) His Honour Judge Stephen CHOW His Honour Judge Ian E CARLSON His Honour Judge Peter J LINE (up to 27.9.2009) Her Honour Judge Esther TOH His Honour Judge Y W YUNG Her Honour Judge Maggie POON (up to 27.9.2009) Her Honour Judge Mary YUEN His Honour Judge Derek PANG (up to 27.9.2009) His Honour Judge Stephen J GEISER His Honour Judge David LOK His Honour Judge Louis CHAN Her Honour Judge Marlene NG Her Honour Judge Bebe CHU (up to 27.9.2009) Her Honour Judge Susana M D'ALMADA REMEDIOS His Honour Judge Kevin A BROWNE His Honour Judge Michael WONG His Honour Judge Joseph YAU His Honour Judge Andrew CHAN His Honour Judge Colin R MACKINTOSH (up to 27.9.2009) His Honour Judge Stanley CHAN His Honour Judge C M LEUNG Her Honour Judge Sharon D MELLOY Her Honour Judge Mimmie CHAN His Honour Judge H C AU (up to 30.11.2009) His Honour Judge Garry TALLENTIRE (w.e.f. 28.9.2009) His Honour Judge Eddie YIP (w.e.f. 28.9.2009) Her Honour Judge Katina LEVY (w.e.f. 28.9.2009) His Honour Judge C K CHAN (w.e.f. 28.9.2009) His Honour Judge Simon KWANG (w.e.f. 28.9.2009) His Honour Judge Albert WONG (w.e.f. 28.9.2009) His Honour Judge Frankie YIU (w.e.f. 28.9.2009) His Honour Judge K W WONG (w.e.f. 28.9.2009) His Honour Judge S T POON (w.e.f. 28.9.2009) His Honour Judge Justin KO (w.e.f. 28.9.2009) His Honour Judge Douglas YAU (w.e.f. 28.9.2009) # Retired in 2009 Lands Tribunal - Member, Lands Tribunal Mr LO Wai-kwong Magistrates' Courts and other Tribunals - Chief Magistrate Mr TONG Man - Principal Magistrates Mr TALLENTIRE Garry (up to 27.9.2009) Mr KWOK Wai-kin Mr JENKINS Timothy Simon * Mr LIN Kam-hung, Ernest Michael Mr MA Hon-cheung, Andrew Mr LAM Wai-kuen, Josiah Mr CHOW Siu-wo, Anthony (w.e.f. 28.9.2009) Mr KWOK Kai-on, Anthony (w.e.f. 28.9.2009) Mr TAM Lee-cheung (w.e.f. 28.9.2009) - Magistrates Mr THOMAS David Ian Ms CHAINRAI Bina Ms LOH Lai-kuen Mr LI Wai-chi Mr CHEUNG Wai-tat, Ronald Mr WAHAB Abu Bakar bin Mr LAU Wing-shing, Denis Mr CHAN Pik-kiu, Michael Mr MIERCZAK Henry Anthony Mr YUEN Wai-ming, Anthony Mr DUFTON David John Mr CASEWELL Timothy Harry Mr LAW Tak-chuen, Peter Mr CHOW Siu-wo, Anthony (up to 27.9.2009) Mr YU Mun-kee, Roy Mr SMOUT Stephen Ms KOT Sin-yee, Angela Mr PANG Chung-ping Mr SHAM Siu-man Mr KWOK Kai-on, Anthony (up to 27.9.2009) Mr YIP Chor-man, Eddie (up to 27.9.2009) Ms WOODCOCK Amanda Jane Mrs WU CHAU Yuen-man, Mary Mr AU See-hin, Selwyn Hason Mr HUI Shiu-keung, Peter Ms CHOW Yin-chu, Merinda Mrs LEVY LAW Suet-mui, Katina (up to 27.9.2009) Mr CHAN Chan-kok (up to 27.9.2009) Mr GLASS John Trevor Mr LAM Kui-po, William # Mr LEE Ka-chai, Lambert Mr HUI Ka-ho Mr WONG Kin-tong, Jack Ms WOO Huey-fang, Bernadette Mr KWANG Cheok-weung, Simon (up to 27.9.2009) Mr WONG Sung-hau (up to 27.9.2009) Ms LO Kit-yee, Katherine Mr WONG Yu-wing, Symon Ms CHAN Ling-ling, Tracy Mr CHAN Kam-cheong, Rickie Mr TAM Lee-cheung (up to 27.9.2009) Mr YIU Fun-che, Frankie (up to 27.9.2009) Mr NG Sing-wai, William Mr WONG King-wah (up to 27.9.2009) Mr TAM Kwok-wah Mr CHAN Jong-herng, Johnny Mrs TSE CHING Adriana Noelle Miss YIM Shun-yee, Ada Mr POON Siu-tung (up to 27.9.2009) Mr KO King-sau, Justin (up to 27.9.2009) Mr YAU Tak-hong, Douglas (up to 27.9.2009) Mr WONG Wai-kuen Mr LAI Tat-cheung, Reuden Mr OWN George Mr MAK Kwok-cheung Mr TO Ho-shing Miss CHAN Yuk-fan, Grace Mr LO Kit-man, Simon Mr LEE Hing-nin, Clement Mr CHEANG Kei-hong Mr LAM Kar-yan, Gary Mr SO Man-lung, Don Mr WONG Kwok-fai, Raymond (w.e.f. 28.9.2009) Ms CHAN Wai-mun (w.e.f. 28.9.2009) Miss CHOW Pok-fun, Josephine (w.e.f. 28.9.2009) Mr PANG Ka-kwong (w.e.f. 1.12.2009) Mr WONG Lai-wing (w.e.f. 1.12.2009) Mr HO Chin-pang, Dick (w.e.f. 1.12.2009) Mr LUI Kin-man, Simon (w.e.f. 1.12.2009) Mr YIP Sue-pui, Lawrence (w.e.f. 1.12.2009) Mr SO Wai-tak (w.e.f. 1.12.2009) Mr CHEUNG Kwan-ming (w.e.f. 1.12.2009) Mr WAN Siu-ming, Jason (w.e.f. 1.12.2009) Miss CHUI Yee-mei, Ivy (w.e.f. 1.12.2009) - Special Magistrates Mr HO Kang-kei, Daniel Mr TAM Ka-huen Mr CHAN Chi-kim Mr WONG Kwok-fai, Raymond (up to 27.9.2009) Mr YU Cheuk-man Miss NG Chung-yee, Debbie Ms CHAN Wai-mun (up to 27.9.2009) Miss HEUNG Shuk-han, Veronica Mr CHU Chung-keung Miss CHOW Pok-fun, Josephine (up to 27.9.2009) * It is with great sadness that Mr JENKINS Timothy Simon passed away on 1.9.2009 # Retired in 2009 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* 2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009 Applications for leave to appeal from the High Court - Criminal 64 76 76 62 74 75 (29) (45) (41) - Civil 75 82 60 62 66 86 (40) (40) (42) Total 139 158 136 124 140 161 Substantive appeals from the High Court - Criminal 10 12 11 12 8 10 - Civil 34 30 22 23 36 26 Total 44 42 33 35 44 36 Miscellaneous proceedings 3 2 2 3 2 1 * 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 2007 2008 2009 Applications for leave to appeal from the High Court From notice of hearing to hearing -Criminal 45 40 40 37 -Civil 35 37 35 32 Substantive appeals from the High Court From notice of hearing to hearing -Criminal 100 78 89 78 -Civil 120 110 95 105 Overall picture on caseload and disposal at all Court levels High Court CASELOAD AND CASE DISPOSAL OF THE HIGH COURT Caseload Disposal * 2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009 Court of Appeal Appellate - Criminal Appeals from the Court of First 119 126 131 126 129 111 Instance Appeals from the District Court 357 304 346 375 357 314 Sub-total 476 430 477 501 486 425 - Civil Appeals from the Court of First 306 313 213 288 295 219 Instance Appeals from the District Court 53 29 37 37 37 26 Miscellaneous Appeals 62 43 35 38 39 36 Sub-total 421 385 285 363 371 281 Review of Sentences - Criminal Reviews from the Court of First 0 2 1 1 2 2 Instance Reviews from the District Court 7 5 7 5 6 7 Reviews from the Magistrates' Courts 5 2 1 2 7 1 Sub-total 12 9 9 8 15 10 Total 909 824 771 872 872 716 * Case disposal refers to appeals/reviews which have been allowed, dismissed, withdrawn, discontinued or abandoned with or without court order Caseload Disposal * 2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009 Court of First Instance Appellate - Criminal Appeals from Magistrates' Courts 1 234 1 125 1 043 1 185 1 156 996 - Civil Appeals from Labour Tribunal 51 47 42 42 50 41 Appeals from Small Claims Tribunal 81 50 53 50 59 50 Appeals from Minor Employment 12 10 8 5 13 5 Claims Adjudication Board Miscellaneous Appeals 9 4 10 5 7 6 Sub-total 153 111 113 102 129 102 Total 1 387 1 236 1 156 1 287 1 285 1 098 First Instance - Criminal Jurisdiction Criminal Cases 312 311 425 311 301 367 Confidential Miscellaneous 56 64 64 56 64 64 Proceedings Application for Discharge 0 0 0 0 0 0 Sub-total 368 375 489 367 365 431 - Civil Jurisdiction High Court Actions 2 678 2 784 2 574 1 768 1 741 1 891 Miscellaneous Proceedings 2 596 2 631 2 701 1 631 1 679 1 761 Bankruptcy & Companies Winding-up+ 13 620 14 500 19 693 11 821 11 629 17 105 Personal Injuries Actions 1 094 951 872 935 927 677 # Other cases 516 537 611 238 253 330 Sub-total 20 504 21 403 26 451 16 393 16 229 21 764 Total 20 872 21 778 26 940 16 760 16 594 22 195 - Masters Chambers ** Interlocutory hearings 30 429 29 287 35 574 28 575 26 660 34 176 (1)(1)(1) Taxation bills 1 036 1 043 1 032 976 970 958 - Probate Applications 13 483 13 339 14 676 13 12 14 (2)(2)(2)541 958 466 * 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, applications under the Mental Health Ordinance, 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 2007 2008 2009 Court of Appeal - Criminal cases - from setting down of a case 50 50 42 50 to hearing - Civil cases - from application to fix date to 90 87 85 94 hearing Court of First Instance - Criminal Fixture - from filing of indictment to 120 109 112 137 hearing - Criminal Running List - from setting down to 90 57 63 85 hearing - Civil Fixture - from application to fix date to 180 114 145 179 hearing - Civil Running List - from setting down to 90 61 59 55 hearing - Appeals from Magistrates' Courts - from 90 91 90 95 lodging of Notice of Appeal to hearing Overall picture on caseload and disposal at all Court levels District Court CASELOAD AND CASE DISPOSAL OF THE DISTRICT COURT Caseload Disposal* 2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009 - Criminal Jurisdiction Criminal Cases 1 240 1 250 1 449 1 152 1 063 1 305 - Civil Jurisdiction Civil 5 764 6 022 5 515 3 709 3 867 4 468 Tax Claim 9 773 9 153 7 603 8 944 8 485 6 590 Distress for Rent 5 392 5 540 6 320 5 388 5 497 6 322 Employee's Compensation 1 534 1 570 1 523 1 769 1 075 1 159 + 6 357 6 242 6 368 3 801 3 515 3 970 Other civil cases Sub-total 28 820 28 527 27 329 23 611 22 439 22 509 - Divorce Jurisdiction Cases 15 846 15 703 16 374 16 692 15 534 14 629 Miscellaneous Proceedings 221 215 262 227 191 217 Joint Applications 1 957 2 327 2 889 1 711 2 237 2 373 Adoption Applications 107 119 91 91 101 98 Sub-total 18 131 18 364 19 616 18 18 17 (1)(1)(1)721 063 317 Total (Civil) 46 951 46 891 46 945 42 332 40 502 39 826 Total 48 191 48 141 48 394 43 484 41 565 41 131 - Master Chambers ** Interlocutory hearings 10 596 10 029 10 905 10 323 10 016 10 572 - Taxation bills Divorce 4 264 3 287 2 880 3 851 2 903 2 544 Others 725 854 764 623 466 685 (2)(2)(2)Sub-total 4 989 4 141 3 644 4 474 3 369 3 229 Total 15 585 14 170 14 549 14 797 13 385 13 801 * 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 2007 2008 2009 100 98 111 116 Criminal cases - from first appearance of defendants in District Court to hearing 120 58 85 104 Civil cases - from date of listing to hearing Dissolution of marriage - from setting down to hearing - Special procedure cases 35 33 31 32 - Defended cases (one day hearing) 110 119 143 118 Overall picture on caseload and disposal at all Court levels Magistrates' Courts CASELOAD AND CASE DISPOSAL OF THE MAGISTRATES' COURTS Caseload Disposal * 2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009 - Charge Cases 45 149 45 087 42 367 45 305 44 710 42 488 - Hawker Cases 11 065 11 719 12 537 11 069 11 687 12 539 - Departmental & Private 158 009 183 282 183 928 156 588 173 307 186 377 Summonses - Driving-Offence Points 4 460 5 094 4 893 4 379 4 582 5 851 Summonses - Fixed Penalty Summonses 1 103 1 202 1 033 1 134 1 143 1 154 (Traffic) - Fixed Penalty Summonses 426 458 578 455 419 624 (Public Cleanliness Offences) - Fixed Penalty Summonses - - 7 - - 1 @(Smoking Offences) - Miscellaneous 13 531 12 881 12 657 13 736 13 025 13 594 Proceedings - Departmental Notice 1 766 1 368 761 1 767 1 482 776 - Fixed Penalty Notice 75 915 73 119 64 959 82 101 75 579 66 955 (Traffic) - Fixed Penalty Notice 2 790 3 232 3 606 2 840 3 176 3 567 (Public Cleanliness Offences) - Fixed Penalty Notice - - 113 - - 47 @ (Smoking Offences) Total 314 214 337 442 327 439 319 374 329 110 333 973 * 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 @ New case types pursuant to the Fixed Penalty (Smoking Offences) Ordinance, Cap. 600 come into effect on 1.9.2009 WAITING TIME FOR CASES IN THE MAGISTRATES' COURTS Waiting Times (days) Target 2007 2008 2009 50 95 78 63 Summonses - from plea to date of trial Charge Cases - from plea to date of trial - Cases involving defendants in custody 30-45 47 41 43 - Cases involving defendants on bail 45-60 64 56 55 Overall picture on caseload and disposal at all Court levels Lands Tribunal CASELOAD AND CASE DISPOSAL OF THE LANDS TRIBUNAL Caseload Disposal* 2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009 - Appeals 265 240 274 381 248 63 - Compensation cases 17 34 17 27 22 27 - Building management 494 329 394 346 389 459 cases - Tenancy cases 4 333 4 611 4 347 3 386 3 682 3 497 - Lands compulsory sale 14 10 8 11 52 9 applications - Miscellaneous proceedings 5 4 6 2 3 6 applications Total 5 128 5 228 5 046 4 153 4 396 4 061 * 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 2007 2008 2009 From setting down of a case to hearing - Appeals 100 83 44 47 - Compensation cases 100 141 96 64 - Building management cases 100 54 40 33 - Tenancy cases 60 41 27 23 Overall picture on caseload and disposal at all Court levels Labour Tribunal CASELOAD AND CASE DISPOSAL OF THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL Caseload Disposal* 2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009 - Cases 6 160 7 199 7 758 6 066 4 867 5 859 - Reviews 126 113 107 137 108 112 - Restore claims 109 97 115 119 101 109 - Set-aside awards 141 128 144 130 138 135 Total 6 536 7 537 8 124 6 452 5 214 6 215 * 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 2007 2008 2009 - From appointment to filing of a case 30 10 17 28 - From filing of a case to first hearing 30 25 24 25 Overall picture on caseload and disposal at all Court levels Small Claims Tribunal CASELOAD AND CASE DISPOSAL OF THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL Caseload Disposal* 2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009 - Claims 68 797 59 246 59 797 69 770 55 495 54 816 - Reviews 320 238 272 251 216 259 Total 69 117 59 484 60 069 70 021 55 711 55 075 * 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 2007 2008 2009 - From filing of a case to first hearing 60 42 40 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* 2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009 - Articles for determination 69 055 43 533 12 746 69 596 42 404 13 894 - Articles for classification 1 157 931 761 1 159 933 762 - Articles for review 9 2 0 0 2 0 - Articles for reconsideration 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 70 221 44 466 13 507 70 755 43 339 14 656 * 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 2007 2008 2009 - From referral by a magistrate to 21 17 18 18 commencement of determination of the subject matter of a court case - From receipt of application to classification 5 2 2 2 #- From receipt of application to review 35 26 19 - - From receipt of application to 35 - * - * - * reconsideration # As there is no application for review filed, the waiting time is inapplicable * As there is no application for reconsideration filed, 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* 2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009 - Death inquests with jury 152 137 159 155 135 167 - Death inquests without jury 23 14 23 30 10 26 Total 175 151 182 185 145 193 * Case disposal refers to death inquests concluded WAITING TIME FOR CASES IN THE CORONER'S COURT Waiting Times (days) Target 2007 2008 2009 - From date of listing to hearing 42 36 40 37 Membership List of the Steering Committee on Civil Justice Reform The Hon Mr Justice Geoffrey MA - Chairman Chief Judge of the High Court - The Hon Mr Justice K H WOO, GBS, V-P Members Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court The Hon Mr Justice Michael J HARTMANN, JA Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court The Hon Madam Justice Carlye CHU Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court The Hon Mr Justice Aarif T BARMA Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court The Hon Mr Justice Anselmo F T REYES Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court The Hon Mr Justice Barnabas FUNG Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court Ms AU YEUNG Kwai-yue, Queeny Registrar, High Court His Honour Judge Patrick LI Chief District Judge (up to 9.12.2009) His Honour Judge S T POON Acting Chief District Judge (w.e.f. 10.12.2009) His Honour Judge David LOK District Judge His Honour Judge S T POON District Judge (up to 9.12.2009) His Honour Judge Justin KO District Judge Mr LUNG Kim-wan Deputy Registrars, High Court Ms Clara TANG - Secretary Assistant Judiciary Administrator (Development) Membership List of the Monitoring Committee on Civil Justice Reform The Hon Mr Justice Geoffrey MA - Chairman Chief Judge of the High Court - The Hon Mr Justice Johnson LAM Members Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court The Hon Mr Justice Anselmo F T REYES Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court The Hon Mr Justice Barnabas FUNG Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court Ms AU YEUNG Kwai-yue, Queeny Registrar, High Court His Honour Judge Patrick LI Chief District Judge (up to 9.12.2009) His Honour Judge S T POON Acting Chief District Judge (w.e.f. 10.12.2009) His Honour Judge H C AU District Judge (up to 20.10.2009) His Honour Judge S T POON District Judge (from 21.10.2009 to 9.12.2009) Mr S T POON Temporary Registrar, District Court (up to 20.10.2009) Mr Reuden LAI Temporary Registrar, District Court (w.e.f. 21.10.2009) Mr Wesley WONG Department of Justice Mr Thomas KWONG Legal Aid Department Mr Joseph FOK, SC Hong Kong Bar Association Mr LAI Ting-hong Law Society of Hong Kong Mr CHAN Bing-woon, SBS, JP Hong Kong Mediation Council Miss Emma LAU Judiciary Administrator - Ms Clara TANG Secretary Assistant Judiciary Administrator (Development) Membership List of the Working Party on Mediation The Hon Mr Justice Johnson LAM - Chairman Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court - The Hon Madam Justice Susan KWAN, JA Members Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court The Hon Mr Justice Anselmo F T REYES Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court The Hon Mr Justice Barnabas FUNG Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court The Hon Mr Justice John L 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 - Ms Annie TANG In Deputy Judiciary Administrator (Development) Attendance Ms Joyce LEUNG - Secretary Senior Judiciary Executive (Development)2 Membership List of the Court Users' Committees Civil Court Users' Committee The Hon Mr Justice K H WOO, GBS, V-P - Chairman Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court - The Hon Madam Justice Maria C YUEN, JA Members Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court The Hon Madam Justice Carlye CHU Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court The Hon Mr Justice Johnson LAM Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court Ms AU YEUNG Kwai-yue, Queeny Registrar, High Court His Honour Judge Patrick LI Chief District Judge (up to 9.12.2009) His Honour Judge S T POON Acting Chief District Judge (w.e.f. 10.12.2009) Mr Joseph FOK, SC Hong Kong Bar Association Mr LAI Ting-hong The Law Society of Hong Kong Mr Bernard HUI Ms Cathy WONG Department of Justice Mr Thomas KWONG Legal Aid Department Ms Polly YIP Official Receiver's Office - Mr NG Sek-hon In Deputy Judiciary Administrator (Operations) Attendance Ms Frieda LEUNG Chief Judiciary Executive (Support to Judges)1 - Ms Betty CHAN Secretary Chief Judiciary Executive (Operations) Criminal Court Users' Committee The Hon Mr Justice K K PANG - Chairman Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court - The Hon Mr Justice Louis TONG Members Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court The Hon Mr Justice Michael V LUNN Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court Ms AU YEUNG Kwai-yue, Queeny Registrar, High Court His Honour Judge Patrick LI Chief District Judge (up to 9.12.2009) His Honour Judge S T POON Acting Chief District Judge (w.e.f. 10.12.2009) Mr TONG Man Chief Magistrate Mr WONG Man-kit, SC Hong Kong Bar Association Mr Stephen HUNG The Law Society of Hong Kong Mr Daniel LAI, BBS, JP Mr Kevin ZERVOS, SC Department of Justice Mr Thomas KWONG Legal Aid Department Ms Grace WONG The Duty Lawyer Service - Ms Rebecca LI Co-opted Independent Commission Against Corruption Member Mr NG Kam-wing Hong Kong Police Force (up to 11.1.2009) Mr CHENG Se-lim Hong Kong Police Force (w.e.f. 12.1.2009) Mr NG Sek-hon - In Deputy Judiciary Administrator (Operations) Attendance Ms Frieda LEUNG Chief Judiciary Executive (Support to Judges)1 Ms Betty CHAN - Secretary Chief Judiciary Executive (Operations) Family Court Users' Committee Her Honour Judge Bebe CHU - Chairman Principal Family Court Judge - His Honour Judge Bruno CHAN Members Family Court Judge Her Honour Judge Sharon D MELLOY Family Court Judge His Honour Judge C K CHAN Family Court Judge (w.e.f. 1.12.2009) His Honour Judge Patrick LI Chief District Judge (up to 9.12.2009) His Honour Judge S T POON Acting Chief District Judge (w.e.f. 10.12.2009) Ms Jacqueline LEONG, SC Ms Corinne REMEDIOS Ms KONG Yuen-Hoong Mr Dennis HO Mr Robin EGERTON Mrs Christina HADIWIBAWA Legal Aid Department Mrs Anna MAK Social Welfare Department - Mr NG Sek-hon In Deputy Judiciary Administrator (Operations) Attendance Mr Kenneth LIU Chief Judicial Clerk (Family Court) - Ms Betty CHAN Secretary Chief Judiciary Executive (Operations) Membership List of the Judicial Studies Board The Hon Mr Justice K H WOO, GBS, V-P - Chairman Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court - The Hon Mr Justice Frank STOCK, V-P Members Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court The Hon Mr Justice Azizul R SUFFIAD Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court The Hon Mr Justice Louis TONG Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court The Hon Mrs Justice Judianna W L BARNES Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court The Hon Mr Justice Alan R 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 Patrick LI Chief District Judge (up to 9.12.2009) His Honour Judge S T POON Acting Chief District Judge (w.e.f. 10.12.2009) Mr TONG Man Chief Magistrate Mr Gavin SHIU Department of Justice Ms Audrey CAMPBELL-MOFFAT Hong Kong Bar Association 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 (up to 20.7.2009) Professor Anton COORAY City University of Hong Kong (w.e.f 21.7.2009) Professor Stephen HALL The Chinese University of Hong Kong Ms Charling LI - Secretary 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) (a) Information Systems Ms Catherine LEE Acting Chief Systems Manager Strategy Study Support (Information Systems Strategy (1)Team [established on Study) [w.e.f. 2.11.2009] 2.11.2009] (b) Operations Division Ms Betty CHAN Acting Chief Judiciary Executive (Operations) (c) Judicial Support's Office [up Ms Frieda LEUNG Chief Judiciary Executive to 1.11.2009] (Judicial Support)1 [up to 1.11.2009] Mr Roger LAW Chief Judiciary Executive (Judicial Support)2 / Clerk of Court [up to 1.11.2009] Support to Judges Section Ms Frieda LEUNG Chief Judiciary Executive [w.e.f. 2.11.2009] (Support to Judges)1 [w.e.f. 2.11.2009] Mr Roger LAW Chief Judiciary Executive (Support to Judges)2 [w.e.f. 2.11.2009] (d) Clerk of Court's Office Mr Roger LAW Clerk of Court [up to 1.11.2009] Mrs Pamela PANG Acting Chief Judicial Clerk (Family Court) [w.e.f. 2.11.2009] (e) Court of Final Appeal Mr Joe CHENG Senior Judicial Clerk I (Court of Registry Final Appeal) [up to 2.8.2009] Mr Jackson CHAN Acting Senior Judicial Clerk I (Court of Final Appeal) [w.e.f. 3.8.2009] (f) High Court Registry Ms Judy FUNG Chief Judicial Clerk (High Court Registry) (g) District Court Mr K H CHENG Chief Judicial Clerk (Registry, District Court) Mrs Flora CHUNG Chief Judicial Clerk (Courts, District Court) (h) Family Court Registry Mr Kenneth LIU Chief Judicial Clerk (Family Court) (i) Lands Tribunal Registry Ms Evelyn Chief Judicial Clerk (Lands CHEUNG Tribunal) (j) Magistrates' Courts General Mr James WONG Senior Judiciary Executive Office (Magistracies) (k) Probate Registry Mr H F HUI Chief Probate Officer (l) Labour Tribunal Registry Mr W M WONG Acting Registrar (Labour Tribunal) (m) Small Claims Tribunal Mr Calvin YAU Senior Judiciary Clerk I (Small Registry Claims Tribunal) [up to 21.6.2009] Mr M K LAM Acting Chief Judicial Clerk ( Small Claims Tribunal ) [w.e.f. (2)15.7.2009] (n) Court Language Section Ms Celina WONG Chief Judiciary Executive (Court Language) Ms Yvonne CHAU Chief Court Interpreter (o) Court Orders Section [up to Mr Sunny KWAN Chief Bailiff (Administration and 1.11.2009] Admiralty) Mr T M CHOI Chief Bailiff (Operations) Bailiff Section [w.e.f. Mr Sunny KWAN Chief Bailiff (Administration and 2.11.2009] Admiralty) Mr T M CHOI Chief Bailiff (Operations) (p) Mediation Coordinator's Ms April LAM Mediation Coordinator [up to Office 31.8.2009] Ms April LAM Senior Mediation Affairs Officer [from 1.9.2009 to 1.10.2009] (q) Mediation Information Office Ms April LAM Senior Mediation Affairs Officer [w.e.f. 4.1.2010] [w.e.f. 2.10.2009] (r) Family Mediation Mrs P F MAK Mediation Coordinator (Family) Coordinator's Office [w.e.f. [w.e.f. 1.9.2009] 1.9.2009] (s) Building Management Ms S F CHAN Mediation Coordinator (Building Mediation Coordinator's Management) Office (t) West Kowloon Law Courts Ms Peggy CHAN Senior Judiciary Executive Building : Operational Issues (West Kowloon Law Courts [established on 18.6.2009] Building) [w.e.f. 1.6.2009] (u) Information Systems Ms Gloria POON Senior Judiciary Executive Strategy Study Support (Information Systems Strategy Team [established on Study) [w.e.f. 2.11.2009] 2.11.2009] Note 1 : Ms Catherine LEE was acting as Chief Systems Manager (Special Duties) during the period 31.8.2009 to 1.11.2009. Note 2 : The post of Senior Judicial Clerk I (Small Claims Tribunal) was upgraded to Chief Judicial Clerk (Small Claims Tribunal) w.e.f. 15.7.2009. Development Division Ms Annie TANG, Deputy Judiciary Administrator (Development) (a) Development Office Ms Clara TANG Assistant Judiciary Administrator (Development) (b) Press & Public Relations Ms Lina TING Principal Information Officer [up to Office 8.2.2009] Mrs Angela WONG Principal Information Officer [w.e.f. 9.2.2009] Quality Division Ms Dora FU, Assistant Judiciary Administrator (Quality and Operations) [up to 24.5.2009] Mr Stanley TO, Acting Assistant Judiciary Administrator (Quality) [w.e.f. 25.5.2009] (a) Complaints Office Ms Joanna CHUNG Acting Senior Judiciary Executive (Complaints) (b) Court Reporters Office Ms Maggie CHENG Senior Court Reporter (Development) (c) Information Technology Mr Patrick CHAN Chief Judiciary Executive Management Section (Information Technology) (d) Legal Reference and Ms Miranda FUNG Acting Senior Judiciary Executive Library Section (Legal Reference and Library) (e) Management Ms Peggy CHAN Senior Judiciary Executive Information Section (Management Information) [up to 31.5.2009] Ms Memory WONG Acting Senior Judiciary Executive (Management Information) [w.e.f. 1.6.2009] (f) Management Review Ms Cora CHENG Chief Judiciary Executive Section (Management Review) Corporate Services Division Mrs Angela LO, Acting Assistant Judiciary Administrator (Corporate Services) (a) Accommodation Section Mrs Lowell CHO Chief Judiciary Executive (Accommodation) (b) Finance Section Ms Melody WONG Chief Judiciary Executive (Finance) (c) Judges and Judicial Officers Ms Charling LI Chief Judiciary Executive Section (Judges and Judicial Officers) (d) Support Staff Section Ms Estella FUNG Chief Judiciary Executive (Support Staff) (e) West Kowloon Law Courts Mr Sonny CHING Senior Architect [w.e.f. Building Integrated Team 3.8.2009] [established on 18.6.2009] Training Activities Organised / Co-ordinated by the Judicial Studies Board Date Activity 22.10.2008 - Civil Justice Reform Training Small-class Sessions for all Judges and 20.3.2009 Judicial Officers, organised by the Judicial Studies Board 9.1.2009 * Hong Kong Guardianship Conference, organised by the Guardianship Board 9.1.2009 * Seminar entitled "Whistleblowing as Legal Duty and Right", organised by the University of Hong Kong 9.1.2009 * Talk entitled "Freedom of Speech and its Limits", organised by the Hong Kong Bar Association 13.1.2009 * Lecture entitled "The Inevitable Globalization of Constitutional Law", organised by the University of Hong Kong 13.1.2009 * Seminar entitled "Leadership by Constitutional Courts", organised by the University of Hong Kong 15.1.2009 * Seminar entitled "Apprehended Bias and the Reasonable Observer - How Do Courts Decide Claims of Bias?", organised by the University of Hong Kong 22.1.2009 * Seminar entitled "US-China Relations and the Obama Administration: Implications for Human Rights", organised by the University of Hong Kong 10.2.2009 * Seminar entitled "Role of Lawyers in Defending the Law", organised by the City University of Hong Kong 16.2.2009 * Seminar entitled "Send Lawyers, Guns and Money: the Perils of Remaking Other Peoples' Legal System", organised by the University of Hong Kong 23.2.2009 Lunch-time Talk entitled "The Firm Habits of Highly Effective Judges" by the Hon Mr Justice Henry Denis Litton, Non-Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal, organised by the Judicial Studies Board 27.2.2009 * Seminar entitled "Poverty and Rights", organised by the University of Hong Kong 9.3.2009 * Talk entitled "Judicial Review of Warrants and Criminal Investigations", organised by the Hong Kong Bar Association 12.3.2009 * Seminar entitled "Human Rights in China after the Olympics", organised by the University of Hong Kong 12.3.2009 * Seminar entitled "Competition and Government: How Much Regulation?", organised by the University of Hong Kong 13.3.2009 * Seminar entitled "Why Bills of Rights are Dangerous", organised by the University of Hong Kong 17.3.2009 * Talk entitled "Regulatory Changes being introduced in the UK and their impact upon the legal profession and the Bar", organised by the Hong Kong Bar Association 17.3.2009 * China's 30-Year-Legal Reform Lecture Series, Lecture entitled "Disregard the Five Principles: 60 years' basic experience regarding Chinese Jurisprudence", organised by the University of Hong Kong 18.3.2009 * Talk entitled "The UN Human Rights Council Hearing on Hong Kong's Human Rights Situations: The Geneva Experience", organised by the University of Hong Kong 20-21 & * Mediator Skills Accreditation Course, organised by the Hong Kong Bar 23-25.3.2009 Association 23.3.2009 * Seminar entitled "State-Church Relationships in Reform China: A Retrospect after 30 Years", organised by the University of Hong Kong 24.3.2009 * Seminar entitled "The Responsibility to Protect: Preventing Gross Violations of Human Rights", organised by the University of Hong Kong 25.3.2009 Talk on "Gross Sum Assessments", organised by the Judicial Studies Board 28.3.2009 A Computer Training Course for District Judges and Magistrates, organised by the Judicial Studies Board 28.3.2009 * Conference entitled "Implementation of the Right to Vote and be Elected - the Theory and the Practice", organised by the University of Hong Kong 29.3.2009 * Seminar entitled "Lawyers and Judicial Reform: Cross-Straits Experiences", organised by the University of Hong Kong 1.4.2009 * Lecture entitled "Accountability and Responsibility - Reinforcing the Criminal Law", organised by the Independent Commission Against Corruption 3.4.2009 * Seminar entitled "Ten Years of Constitutional Rights in the Court of Final Appeal", organised by the University of Hong Kong 6.4.2009 * Seminar entitled "Tyrannicide Brief: The Human Rights Story", organised by the University of Hong Kong 6 - 9.4.2009 * 16th Commonwealth Law Conference, jointly organised by the Commonwealth Lawyers Association and the Law Society of Hong Kong 8.4.2009 * Seminar entitled "Privacy: The Changing Landscape", organised by the University of Hong Kong 16.4.2009 * Lecture entitled "Doctrine and Fairness in the Law of Contract", organised by the University of Hong Kong 20.4.2009 * Seminar entitled "Employment Law and the Global Financial Crisis - Public and Private Sector Employment Law Issues in Hong Kong, China, Australia and Japan", organised by the University of Hong Kong 22.4.2009 * Lecture entitled "Competition Law Enforcement in Hong Kong: Telecommunications (Competition Provisions) Appeal Board", organised by the University of Hong Kong 24.4.2009 * Seminar entitled "The Challenges of Modern Policing", organised by the University of Hong Kong 25.4.2009 Magistrates' Conference, organised by the Judicial Studies Board 4.5.2009 * Seminar entitled "The U.S. Economic Crisis: Causes, Myths and Solutions", organised by the University of Hong Kong 7.5.2009 * Talk entitled "Mind Your Language", organised by the Hong Kong Bar Association 8.5.2009 * China's 30-Year-Legal Reform Lecture Series, Lecture entitled "Charter 08 and China's Political and Legal Reform", organised by the University of Hong Kong 9.5.2009 Visit to the Police College of the Hong Kong Police Force, organised by the Judicial Studies Board 14.5.2009 * China's 30-Year-Legal Reform Lecture Series, Lecture entitled "Taking a look at Labour Law Legislation in China through the May 1st Labour Day Procession in Hong Kong", organised by the University of Hong Kong 14.5.2009 * Lecture entitled "Labour and Management playing a game of chess- striking a balance of interest - the PRC Labour Law and the elucidation of its provisions", jointly organised by the Hong Kong Bar Association and the Hong Kong Acadcmy of Law 15-17.5.2009 A Conference on "Corporate Crime and the Credit Crunch", jointly organized by MacGuill & Co., Perren Buildings and MHA Consulting (held in Dublin, Ireland) 20.5.2009 * Lecture entitled "Implementing the Companies Act 2006 in the UK", organised by the University of Hong Kong 20.5.2009 * Seminar entitled "Public Opinion and the Court", organised by the University of Hong Kong 21.5.2009 * China's 30-Year-Legal Reform Lecture Series, Lecture entitled "Chinese Cultural Tradition and Its Contemporary Rule of Law Features", organised by the University of Hong Kong 22.5.2009 * Lecture entitled "The Politics of Judicial Review", organised by the University of Hong Kong 30.5.2009 District Court Sentencing Conference, organised by the Judicial Studies Board 3.6.2009 * Seminar entitled "Korean Judiciary - Role and Challenges in Democratization and Rule of Law", organised by the University of Hong Kong 4.6.2009 * China's 30-Year-Legal Reform Lecture Series, Lecture entitled "Legal Institutions and The Future of China", organised by the University of Hong Kong 10.6.2009 * China's 30-Year-Legal Reform Lecture Series, Lecture entitled "Movie Justice: The Legal System in Pre-1949 Chinese Movies", organised by the University of Hong Kong 11.6 – Refresher Putonghua Course, organised by the Judicial Studies Board 13.8.2009 11.6.2009 * Seminar entitled "Constitutional Rights in Two Worlds: South Africa and the United States", organised by the University of Hong Kong 12.6.2009 * China's 30-Year-Legal Reform Lecture Series, Lecture entitled "Property Rights: Law and Development in China", organised by the University of Hong Kong 12.6.2009 * China's 30-Year-Legal Reform Lecture Series, Lecture entitled "The 'Other' China Trade Deficit: Export Safety and Legal and Other Responses", organised by the University of Hong Kong 16.6.2009 * 3rd Regional Arbitral Institutes Forum Conference, organised by Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators 16.6.2009 * Lecture entitled "Reinsurance", organised by the University of Hong Kong 17.6.2009 * Lecture entitled "Peer Mediation Programme in Hong Kong Schools", organised by the University of Hong Kong 20-24.6.2009 Eighth Multinational Judicial Colloquium on Insolvency and INSOL 2009 Quadrennial Congress, co-organised by the INSOL International, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law and the World Bank (held in Vancouver, Canada) 22.6.2009 * Talk entitled "The Price of Public Action: Constitutional Doctrine & Judicial Manipulation of Legislative Enactment Costs", organised by the University of Hong Kong 26.6.2009 * Lecture entitled "Humonetarianism: The New Correctional Discourse of Scarcity", organised by the University of Hong Kong 9.7.2009 * Lecture entitled "Representation Without Institutions? : The Puzzle of GMO Governance in China (and Hong Kong)", organised by the University of Hong Kong 17-18 & 20-22.7. Mediator Skills Accreditation Course, organised by the Centre for 2009 Effective Dispute Resolution 23.7.2009 * CEDR Exchange Evening Event "Mediator Speed 'Dating' - meeting, mingling, informing", jointly organised by the Hong Kong Bar Association and CEDR 24-25 & * Mediator Skills Accreditation Course, organised by the Hong Kong Bar 27-29.7.2009 Association 23-26.8.2009 5th World Congress on Family Law and Childrens' Rights, organized by International Conference Services Ltd. (held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada) 3.9.2009 * Talk entitled "Reverse Engineering Back Up the Litigation Highway", organised by the University of Hong Kong 3.9.2009 * Lecture entitled "The Evolution of Property Rights", organised by the University of Hong Kong 4-5.9.2009 * Conference entitled "IP & IT: Theory and Practice", organised by the University of Hong Kong 9.9.2009 * Lecture entitled "Oxford Jurisprudence", organised by the University of Hong Kong 11.9.2009 * Lecture entitled "Terra Incognita: Vertical and Conglomerate Merger and Interlocking Directorate Law Enforcement in the United States", organised by the University of Hong Kong 21.9.2009 * Lecture entitled "Ombudsman for Children in Norway - Potential for Hong Kong", organised by the University of Hong Kong 22.9.2009 * Lecture entitled "Hybrid Texts and Uniform Law", organised by the University of Hong Kong 23.9.2009 * Talk entitled "The Emerging Gay Rights Activism in Mainland China", organised by the University of Hong Kong 24-25.9.2009 * Conference entitled "Children's Issues Forum: The Resolution of Disputes Relating to Children in Hong Kong", organised by the University of Hong Kong 26.9.2009 Visit to the Hong Kong Christian Service Jockey Club Lodge of Rising Sun, organised by the Judicial Studies Board 10.10.2009 * Conference entitled "Hong Kong Political Reform Series: Breaking the Deadlock", organised by the University of Hong Kong 13.10.2009 * Law Lectures for Practitioners 2009, organised by the University of Hong Kong 15.10.2009 * Seminar on "The Constitutional Authority of the Legislative Council: The LegCo Powers Case", organised by the University of Hong Kong 19.10.2009 * Lecture on "Reciprocity and Enforceability" under the main theme of "Reciprocity in Contract", organised by the University of Hong Kong 21.10.2009 * Lecture on "A Bird in the Hand" under the main theme of "Reciprocity in Contract", organised by the University of Hong Kong 22.10.2009 * Informal seminar on "The Doctrine of Undue Influence: Legal Transplants and Cross-Cultural Applications", organised by the University of Hong Kong 27.10.2009 * Lecture entitled "Intellectual Property Rights: Too Important to Leave to the Lawyers?", organised by the University of Hong Kong 27.10.2009 * Seminar on "Financial Crisis & German Criminal Law", organised by the University of Hong Kong 28-29.10.2009 * International Conference on Exclusions from Constitutional Law, organised by the City University of Hong Kong 30-31.10 & * Mediator Skills Accreditation Course, organised by the Hong Kong Bar 2-4.11.2009 Association 3.11.2009 * Seminar on "After Kyoto: International Welfarism and the Impossibility of Global Carbon Trading", organised by the University of Hong Kong 3.11.2009 * Lecture on "Literature as Law's Other", organised by the University of Hong Kong 5.11.2009 * Seminar on "Better Than Fuller: A Two Interest Model of Remedies for Breach of Contract", organised by the University of Hong Kong 6-7 & * Mediator Skills Accreditation Course, organised by the Hong Kong Bar 9-11.11.2009 Association 7.11.2009 Visit to the Correctional Services Department - Lai King Correctional Institution and Lai Chi Rehabilitation Centre, organised by the Judicial Studies Board 10.11.2009 * Lecture on "How International Law Regulates the Global Market for Talent", organised by the University of Hong Kong 11.11.2009 * Seminar on "International Law and Domestic Political Coalitions: The Causes of Compliance With International Law", organised by the University of Hong Kong 16.11.2009 * Symposium on the Review of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, organised by the University of Hong Kong 16.11.2009 * Common Law Lecture on "Loss of a Chance and a Chance of Loss", organised by the University of Hong Kong 24.11.2009 Talk on "The first nine years of the UK Human Rights Act" by the Rt Hon the Lord Walker of Gestingthorpe, Non-Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal, organised by the Judicial Studies Board 26.11.2009 Lunch-time Talk on "The Firm Habits of Highly Effective Judges - Put First Things First" by Hon Mr Justice Henry Denis Litton, Non-permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal, organised by the Judicial Studies Board 28.11.2009 * Conference on "Inclusion in Education: The Implementation of Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities", organised by the University of Hong Kong 30.11.2009 Briefing on Practice Direction 31 and the Roles of the Mediation Information office, organised by the Judicial Studies Board 7.12.2009 * Seminar on The Common Law Concept of "Charity", organised by the University of Hong Kong 8.12.2009 * Seminar on "Regulating the Credit Rating Agencies: Governing the Financial Oracle", organised by the University of Hong Kong 9.12.2009 * Seminar on "Control, Conflict, and Corporate Rescue", organised by the University of Hong Kong * Organised by Local Outside Organisations Number of Visits and Visitors to the Judiciary in 2008 and 2009 2008 2009 Local No. of visits 196 214 No. of visitors 6 134 6 633 The Mainland of China No. of visits 38 40 No. of visitors 827 1 004 Overseas No. of visits 19 33 No. of visitors 202 433 Total No. of visits 253 287 No. of visitors 7 163 8 070 Number of Visitors Category of Visitors 2008 2009 Judges and legal 484 581 profession Government officials 394 446 Students and others 6 285 7 043 Total 7 163 8 070 Expenditure and Revenue of the Judiciary for 2008-2009 Recurrent Expenditure 2008-2009 ($' 000) Personal Emoluments 730,373 - - Departmental Expenses 207,747 - Other Charges 5,743 Total 943,863 Revenue* 2008-2009 ($' 000) Fees & Charges 177,524 - - Fines 215,667 - Forfeitures & Others 75,624 Total 468,815 * Revenue collected by the Judiciary forms part of the Government's General Revenue Number of Complaints Against Judges and Judicial Officers Nature of Complaints 2009 (1) Complaints against judges' decisions 88 (2) Complaints against judges' conduct 30 (3) Complaints against both the judicial decisions 44 and the judge's conduct Total 162 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 2009 is 528,446. Number of Complaints Against the Judiciary Administration Nature of Complaints 2009* - Complaints about procedures 23 Complaints about facilities 22 - - Complaints about the judicial support services 49 - Complaints against staff of the Judiciary Administration 97 Total 191 * Oral complaints included Last Update Date : 04-03-2010