kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Five law students receive recognition for outstanding law reform essays (with photos)
26.7.2018

The following is issued on behalf of the Law Reform Commission: Five law students received recognition for the high quality of their essays at the Law Reform Essay Competition 2018 Certificate Award Ceremony today (July 26). Running for its fifth year, the competition was organised by the Law Reform Commission (LRC) to raise law students' awareness of the importance of law reform and to give them an opportunity to consider and propose how a given area of Hong Kong law may be reformed. Officiating at the ceremony, the Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, also Chairman of the LRC, said the competition has become an annual event of the LRC to help foster among law students an awareness of law reform and in particular the complexity of the legal and socio-economic implications it would entail. This year's topic is "Should ride-hailing services be regulated in Hong Kong? If so, why and how? If not, why not?". This new global phenomenon growing out of technological advances in recent years has brought us convenience, as well as new legal and regulatory issues. They include, for example, characterisation of the legal relationship between the platform and the drivers, liability of the drivers, liability of the platform, current regulatory regime, consumers' interest and protection and the need for new regulatory requirements as prompted by advances in technology and changes in human activities. In this year's competition, a total of 36 essays were received. The LRC has been playing an important role in the development and promotion of effective law reform in the context of administration of justice. Changes brought by the global wave of technology advances have highlighted the importance of ensuring that the law is up-to-date and able to serve our ever-evolving society. The five winners, who are studying law programmes at the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the City University of Hong Kong, were each awarded a one-month or two-month attachment this summer with a leading law firm, a barristers' chambers, a commercial corporation or the Department of Justice. During the ceremony, Ms Cheng congratulated the five winners for their well-argued and well-drafted essays, and thanked the adjudicating panel, as well as sponsoring law firms, barristers' chambers and a commercial corporation for their valuable support in offering internships as prizes for the finalists. The five winning essays are available at LRC's website ( www.hkreform.gov.hk/en/news/newsXML.htm?newsDate=20180308&selectedSubSection=2&jumpToDetails=y#newsDetails ). Ends/Thursday, July 26, 2018 Issued at HKT 19:38 NNNN
Department of Justice to promote Hong Kong Legal Services Forum in Guangdong
18.7.2018

The Department of Justice (DoJ) is today (July 18) leading a delegation of the legal and arbitration sectors on a visit to Guangzhou, Zhaoqing and Foshan for three days. The visit is aimed at promoting Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution services and the coming fifth Hong Kong Legal Services Forum, to be held in Guangzhou on September 5. The Forum, with the theme of "From Bay Area to International Arena", seeks to promote the legal and dispute resolution services of Hong Kong to enterprises and other service users in the Mainland. It is part of the DoJ's ongoing effort to consolidate Hong Kong's status as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region. The delegation, led by the Deputy Solicitor General (Policy Affairs), Ms Lee Sau-kong, comprises representatives of the Hong Kong Bar Association, the Law Society of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission Hong Kong Arbitration Center, the China Maritime Arbitration Commission Hong Kong Arbitration Center and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. These organisations are also co-organisers of the Forum. "Riding on the opportunities presented by the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area, we wish to introduce Hong Kong’s legal and dispute resolution services to the legal sector and enterprises in Guangdong Province. The legal sectors and enterprises from both sides can share their experience and explore further opportunities for co-operation," Ms Lee said. During the three-day visit, the delegation will meet with relevant government officials and representatives of legal bodies and Mainland enterprises. Experienced Hong Kong legal practitioners and dispute resolution experts will explore various issues in the forum in September and enhance exchange and co-operation with their counterparts as well as enterprises in Guangdong Province. Ends/Wednesday, July 18, 2018 Issued at HKT 12:00 NNNN
Secretary for Justice in New York promotes Hong Kong as dispute resolution hub (with photos)
17.7.2018

The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, concluded her visit to Washington, DC, the United States (US) and started her visit to New York today (July 16, Eastern Standard Time). At a roundtable discussion hosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY) and the Asia Society in the morning, Ms Cheng highlighted Hong Kong’s role as a global business and financial centre and the importance of the rule of law. Ms Cheng then met with the President of New York City Bar Association, Mr Roger Juan Maldonado, to exchange views on the legal sectors of the two places. In the afternoon, Ms Cheng addressed a business luncheon co-hosted by the HKETONY and the National Committee on US-China Relations. She briefed participants from the legal profession and business sector on Hong Kong's strengths as an ideal hub for deal making and dispute resolution in Asia under "one country, two systems". She highlighted Hong Kong's common law system, judicial independence and legal profession, which she said are important elements of the city's legal system. She pointed out that Hong Kong's robust legal system provides the bedrock for Hong Kong's development as a commercial and financial hub in Asia. She added that Hong Kong will continue to provide a favourable trading and investment environment for its overseas partners and thrive as an ideal venue for deal making and dispute resolution with the dual advantages of "one country" and "two systems". In the evening, Ms Cheng joined a talk hosted by the International Chamber of Commerce on the latest trends in international dispute resolution, including the increasing popularity of using mediation in resolving commercial disputes and the development of online dispute resolution. She also paid a courtesy call on the acting Consul General of the People's Republic of China in New York, Dr Zhao Yumin. Ms Cheng will call on the Permanent Representative of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations, Mr Ma Zhaoxu, tomorrow morning (July 17, Eastern Standard Time) before concluding her visit to the United States. She will arrive in Hong Kong on July 18 (Hong Kong time). Ends/Tuesday, July 17, 2018 Issued at HKT 10:46 NNNN
Secretary for Justice fosters ties in Washington, DC (with photos)
14.7.2018

The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, continued her visit to Washington, DC, the United States (US) today (July 13, Eastern Standard Time). In the morning, she met with the Deputy Secretary of State of the US, Mr John Sullivan, to exchange views on matters of mutual interest. In the afternoon, Ms Cheng spoke at Georgetown University Law Center on the dynamics of international legal norms. She said that with Asia becoming one of the most important and dynamic regions in international affairs, it has also risen to become an active and influential player in international relations, especially in the fields of international trade and investment and environment protection. She added that international dispute resolution is an area of relevance where Asia can play a role in the development of international law on a global basis. Ms Cheng also met with the Executive Vice President of the Heritage Foundation, Dr Kim Holmes, and other scholars of the Foundation; as well as the economist in the Development Research Group of the World Bank, Mr Aart Kraay, to brief them on the latest developments in Hong Kong. In addition, she met with the Senior Vice President for Asia, US Chamber of Commerce, Mr Charles Freeman, to discuss various issues, including opportunities under the Guangzhou-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area development and Hong Kong's efforts in promoting dispute resolution services. She will continue her visit to Washington, DC, tomorrow (July 14, Eastern Standard Time) by attending the Society of International Economic Law Biennial Conference, at which she will also deliver a keynote speech. On July 15 (Eastern Standard Time), Ms Cheng will proceed to New York to continue her visit. Ends/Saturday, July 14, 2018 Issued at HKT 11:27 NNNN
Secretary for Justice continues visit to Washington, DC (with photo)
13.7.2018

The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, continued her visit to Washington, DC, the United States (US) today (July 12, Eastern Standard Time) to promote Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution services and share details of Hong Kong's latest developments with key players from various sectors. Ms Cheng first joined a roundtable meeting, hosted by the Director of the Center for East Asia Policy Studies of the Brookings Institution, Dr Richard Bush, to brief think tank representatives on the implementation of "one country, two systems" and the rule of law in Hong Kong. She said that under the principle of "one country, two systems" Hong Kong is unique in maintaining its own legal system, and that this arrangement is firmly guaranteed under the Basic Law. In the afternoon, Ms Cheng delivered a speech at the American University Center on International Commercial Arbitration on Hong Kong's role in international arbitration and shared Hong Kong's experience on dispute resolution services. Ms Cheng also met with members of the Cato Institute, including its Vice President for Monetary Studies, Dr Jim Dorn, and Vice President for Legal Affairs, Dr Roger Pilon, to brief them on the latest developments in Hong Kong. In addition, Ms Cheng met with the Secretary General of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), Ms Meg Kinnear, and the Chair of the Sanctions Board of the World Bank, Mr James Spinner. Ms Cheng said that Hong Kong was glad to be working with the ICSID to provide training courses focusing on investment law and investment mediation skills. Ms Cheng will continue her visit to Washington, DC, tomorrow (July 13, Eastern Standard Time) and will speak at the Georgetown University Law Center on the dynamics of international legal norms, as well as meeting with leading figures from different sectors. Ends/Friday, July 13, 2018 Issued at HKT 11:35 NNNN
Secretary for Justice to visit Washington, DC and New York
6.7.2018

The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, will visit Washington, DC, and New York, the United States (US), from July 11 to July 17 to promote Hong Kong as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region and update leading figures in various sectors on Hong Kong's latest developments. During her stay in Washington, DC, Ms Cheng will speak at the American University Center on International Commercial Arbitration on Hong Kong's role in international arbitration. She will also speak at Georgetown University Law Center on the dynamics of international legal norms. In addition, she will attend the Society of International Economic Law Biennial Conference and deliver a speech. She will also join a roundtable meeting on the implementation of "one country, two systems" and the rule of law in Hong Kong. On July 15 (Eastern Standard Time), Ms Cheng will proceed to New York, where she will address a business luncheon on Hong Kong as an ideal hub for deal-making in Asia under "one country, two systems". She will also attend a roundtable discussion hosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York and the Asia Society, as well as join a talk hosted by the International Chamber of Commerce on the latest trends in international dispute resolution. During her visit, she will meet with senior government officials and representatives from various sectors, including those from the international arbitration sector and think tanks. Ms Cheng will conclude her visit on July 17 (Eastern Standard Time) and arrive in Hong Kong on July 18 (Hong Kong time). Ends/Friday, July 6, 2018 Issued at HKT 11:30 NNNN
SJ welcomes passage of National Security Law by NPCSC
30.6.2020

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress today (June 30) passed The Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the National Security Law). The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, issued the following statement: The National Security Law is targeted at the criminal acts of secession, subversion of state power, terrorist activities, and collusion with foreign or external forces to endanger national security. It provides clear rules and legal basis for preventing, curbing and punishing those who breach the law to endanger national security, and is conducive to safeguarding national security. The National Security Law also specifies that the HKSAR should observe the important principles of the rule of law, including the presumption of innocence, the rights of defence and the rule against double jeopardy. It also clearly states that the HKSAR should protect the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents in accordance with law. Welcoming the passage of the National Security Law and its inclusion in Annex III to the Basic Law to be promulgated and implemented in the HKSAR, Ms Cheng would continue to lead the Department of Justice (DoJ) to provide full support for and discharge the responsibility of safeguarding national security in the HKSAR. As one of the members of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security to be chaired by the Chief Executive, Ms Cheng is committed to assisting in formulating policies and implementing the relevant legal system. Ms Cheng added that a dedicated unit of the DoJ has been established to handle prosecutions and related legal matters on national security in accordance with law. Ends/Tuesday, June 30, 2020 Issued at HKT 19:28 NNNN
COVID-19 Online Dispute Resolution Scheme launched today (with photos)
29.6.2020

In anticipation of an upsurge of disputes arising from or relating to COVID-19, the Government announced on April 8 the establishment of the COVID-19 Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Scheme under the Anti-epidemic Fund to provide speedy and cost effective ODR services to the general public and businesses, in particular micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. The Scheme is launched today (June 29). The eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre (eBRAM Centre) has been engaged to provide ODR and related services under the Scheme and will operate the Scheme independently. The Scheme will cover: (1) disputes arising out of or in relation to COVID-19 directly or indirectly; (2) cases where the claim amount is not more than $500,000; and (3) cases where either one of the parties to the dispute is a Hong Kong resident or company. The parties are required to enter into a dispute resolution agreement under the Scheme and pay $200 each as registration fees. The fees for mediators and arbitrators will be paid by the Government. Under the Scheme, parties will attempt to resolve their disputes through a multi-tiered dispute resolution mechanism comprising negotiation, mediation and arbitration. Each tier will be conducted within a limited time. The Scheme aims to offer a speedy and cost effective means to resolve disputes among parties, avoiding disputes and differences from being entrenched, thereby helping to build and reinforce a harmonious society. It may help relieve the court's caseload in civil claims and have the benefit of job creation and job advancement for the legal and dispute resolution sector. Moreover, the Scheme will utilise an ODR platform thereby strengthening Hong Kong's lawtech capability. With the soft launch of the platform under the Scheme, eBRAM Centre has commenced a series of publicity work to introduce the Scheme to stakeholders and the public. For instance, eBRAM Centre delivered a presentation at the Department of Justice this morning demonstrating the operation of the ODR platform and process. For more details on the Scheme, please visit the website ( www.ebram.org/covid_19_odr.html ). Ends/Monday, June 29, 2020 Issued at HKT 18:00 NNNN
SJ fully supports legislative work for safeguarding national security in HKSAR
21.6.2020

In response to the summary of the explanatory statement by an official of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) at the 19th session of the Standing Committee of the 13th NPC on June 18 on a draft law on safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China, the Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, today (June 21) made the following statement: The passage of the Decision on establishing and improving legal system and enforcement mechanisms for HKSAR to safeguard national security (the Decision) by the NPC on May 28, and the enactment of the legislation by the Standing Committee of the NPC for inclusion in Annex III of the Basic Law to be promulgated by the HKSAR are premised on constitutional and legal grounds. The legislation only aims to prevent, curb and sanction an extremely small minority of criminals who threaten national security, so as to safeguard the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and the implementation of "one country, two systems". Article 4 of the Decision stipulates that the HKSAR must establish and improve institutions and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security to strengthen enforcement power and the enforcement work on national security. It is also set out in the explanatory statement that a commission for safeguarding national security should be set up by the HKSAR. The Department of Justice, as one of the government departments which shoulder the major responsibilities in implementing the relevant enforcement work, will establish a dedicated unit to handle prosecutions in relation to national security. Hong Kong has experienced social unrest with frequent violence over the past year. There is even advocacy of independence. In view of the increasingly serious situation the HKSAR is facing in relation to national security and the difficulty of the executive and legislative authorities of the HKSAR to complete on their own legislation for safeguarding national security in the foreseeable future, there is the need and emergency for the NPC to take steps at the national level to improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security. "The explanatory statement clearly points out that the HKSAR, in safeguarding national security, should respect and protect human rights and freedoms which are applicable in Hong Kong under the Basic Law, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as well as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The provisions should be able to address public concerns. I will lead the Department of Justice to provide full support to the legislative work for safeguarding national security in the HKSAR." Ms Cheng said. Ends/Sunday, June 21, 2020 Issued at HKT 22:07 NNNN
SJ expresses sorrow over passing of retired Judge of Court of First Instance of High Court Mr Justice Nguyen
16.6.2020

The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, today (June 16) was saddened by the passing of Mr Peter Nguyen, a retired Honourable Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court and a former Director of Public Prosecutions. Mr Nguyen was called to the Bar in the United Kingdom in 1970. In the same year, he served as an Assistant Crown Counsel in the then Legal Department and was subsequently promoted to the post of Crown Counsel. He joined the private practice in 1974. Mr Nguyen returned to the Government and held the post of Director of Public Prosecutions from 1994 to 1997. He was appointed Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court in 1998 and retired in 2008. Mr Nguyen was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1995. Ms Cheng said, "Mr Nguyen had offered distinguished and dedicated service to the Hong Kong community and the Government, making significant contributions to the criminal justice system over the years. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Mr Nguyen's family on behalf of the Department of Justice." Ends/Tuesday, June 16, 2020 Issued at HKT 21:18 NNNN
Extension of application period for LawTech Fund
15.6.2020

The deadline for application for the LawTech Fund (the Fund), established by the Government under the second round of the Anti-epidemic Fund, will be extended for one month to July 26. This will allow more time for eligible law firms and chambers to prepare for application in light of the Judiciary's expanded practice for remote hearings through the use of video-conferencing facilities (VCF) and telephone in the civil courts from June 15, and the most recently published technical specifications for connecting to the courts' VCF. Applications for the Fund commenced in April. The Law Society of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Bar Association established a Joint Committee to process and assess the applications for the Fund, as well as to arrange the disbursement of the funding. The application form and the guidance notes are available at the homepages of the Law Society of Hong Kong ( www.hklawsoc.org.hk ) and the Hong Kong Bar Association ( www.hkba.org/covid-19/lawtech-fund ). The Fund aims to, amongst others, assist some small and medium-size law firms and barristers' chambers in procuring and upgrading information technology systems and arranging for their staff to attend lawtech training courses. Law firms or chambers with five or fewer practising lawyers as at April 8, 2020 (announcement of the Fund), and at the time of granting the subsidy, will be eligible for a reimbursable amount of up to $50,000. The Government encourages eligible law firms and chambers to make use of the Fund to enhance their technological capability. Ends/Monday, June 15, 2020 Issued at HKT 17:00 NNNN