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District Court Ordinance (Chapter 336), Hong Kong, China

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Latest Version in WIPO Lex
Details Details Year of Version 2009 Dates Adopted: January 1, 1953 Type of Text Framework Laws Subject Matter Enforcement of IP and Related Laws Notes This Ordinance provides for the establishment, jurisdiction, constitution and practice and procedures of the District Court of HKSAR.

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Main text(s) Main text(s) Chinese 區域法院條例(第336章)         English District Court Ordinance (Chapter 336)        
 
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Chapter: 336 DISTRICT COURT ORDINANCE Gazette Number Version Date
Long title L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

To establish a court, having limited civil and criminal jurisdiction, to be known as the District Court, and to make provision for the jurisdiction, procedure and practice thereof and for purposes connected with the matters aforesaid. (Amended 28 of 2000 s. 2)

[18 February 1953] G.N.A. 28 of 1953

(Originally 1 of 1953; 22 of 1962)

Section: 1 Short title 30/06/1997

PART I PRELIMINARY This Ordinance may be cited as the District Court Ordinance.

Section: 2 Interpretation L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

In this Ordinance, unless the context otherwise requires

"action" (訴訟) means a civil proceeding commenced by writ of summons or in such manner as may be prescribed; (Amended 21 of 1962 s. 2)

"authorized institution" (認可機構) means an authorized institution within the meaning of section 2 of the Banking Ordinance (Cap 155); (Added 28 of 2000 s. 3)

"cause" (訟案) means any action, suit or other original proceeding between a plaintiff and a defendant;

"charging order" (押記令) means an order under section 52A(1) to secure payment of a judgment or an order for the payment of money; (Added 28 of 2000 s. 3)

"Court" (區域法院) means the District Court established by section 3; (Added 21 of 1962 s. 2. Amended 28 of 2000

s. 48) "defendant" (被告人) includes any person served with any writ of summons or process, or served with notice of, or entitled to attend, any proceedings; "deputy District Judge" (地方法院暫委法官) means a deputy District Judge appointed under section 7; (Replaced

79 of 1981 s. 11)

"functions" (職能) includes powers and duties;

"hereditament" (可繼承產) includes both a corporeal and an incorporeal hereditament; (Added 21 of 1962 s. 2)

"judge" (法官) means a District Judge or a deputy District Judge; (Replaced 79 of 1981 s. 11)

"judgment creditor" (判定債權人) means a person in whose favour judgment has been entered or an order made in any court requiring a judgment debtor to pay money to the person; (Added 28 of 2000 s. 3)

"judgment debtor" (判定債務人) means a person against whom judgment has been entered or an order made in any court requiring him to pay money to another person; (Added 28 of 2000 s. 3)

"land" (土地) means land of whatever description, any part or section thereof, and tenements and buildings or parts of buildings (whether the division is horizontal, vertical or made in any other way); (Added 14 of 1973 s. 2)

"matter" (事宜) includes every proceeding in the Court not in a cause;

"party" (一方) includes every person served with notice of or attending any proceedings, although not named in the

record; "personal injuries" (人身傷害) includes any disease or any impairment of a person's physical or mental condition; (Added 28 of 2000 s. 3)

"plaintiff" (原告人) includes every person asking for any relief (otherwise than by way of counterclaim as a defendant) against any other person by any form of proceeding, whether the proceeding is by action, suit, petition, motion, summons or otherwise;

"Registrar" (司法常務官) means the Registrar of the Court appointed under section 14 and includes a deputy registrar and assistant registrar appointed under that section; (Added 28 of 2000 s. 3) "Rules Committee" (規則委員會) means the District Court Rules Committee established under section 17. (Added 21 of 1962 s. 2) (1 of 1953 s. 2 incorporated. Amended 28 of 2000 s. 3)

Section: 3 Establishment of the District Court, and its general jurisdiction L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

PART II

THE DISTRICT COURT

(1) A court known as the District Court is established. (Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 4)

(2) The Court shall be a court of record and shall have such civil and criminal jurisdiction and powers as are conferred upon it by this Ordinance and by any other enactment for the time being in force. (Amended 21 of 1962 s. 3)

(3) The jurisdiction and powers conferred by any other enactment for the time being in force shall be subject

only to such limitations as such enactment may provide or may have provided. (Added 20 of 1963 s. 3) (1 of 1953 s. 3 incorporated)

Section: 4 Constitution of the District Court L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

(1) The Court shall consist of 2 or more judges, to be known as District Judges.

(2) District Judges shall be appointed by the Chief Executive by instrument under the Public Seal. (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)
(3) Any appointment made under the provisions of subsection (2) may be given effect from a date anterior to that of the instrument by which it is made. (Added 18 of 1958 s. 2. Amended 20 of 1972 s. 24; 28 of 2000 s. 5)
(4) This section does not authorize the discharge of any judicial functions by any person before the date of the instrument of appointment or before the requirements of section 17 of the Oaths and Declarations Ordinance (Cap 11) have been fulfilled. (Added 28 of 2000 s. 5)

(1 of 1953 s. 4 incorporated)

Section: 5 Professional qualifications of District Judges 10 of 2005 08/07/2005

(1) No person shall be appointed to be a District Judge under section 4 unless-

(a) he is qualified to practise as a barrister, solicitor or advocate in a court in Hong Kong or any other common law jurisdiction having unlimited jurisdiction either in civil or criminal matters; and (Amended 21 of 1962 s. 4; 14 of 1997 s. 3)
(b) since becoming so qualified he has for a period of or periods totalling not less than 5 years-

(i) practised as a barrister, solicitor or advocate in such a court; or

(ia) been the Registrar of the High Court or a senior deputy registrar, deputy registrar or assistant registrar of the High Court, appointed in accordance with section 37 of the High Court Ordinance (Cap 4); or (Added 10 of 2005 s. 144)

(ib) been the Registrar or a deputy registrar or assistant registrar appointed in accordance with section 14; or (Added 10 of 2005 s. 144) (ii)-(iv) (Repealed 14 of 1997 s. 3)

(v) been a permanent magistrate appointed in accordance with section 5 of the Magistrates Ordinance (Cap 227); or (va) been a coroner appointed in accordance with section 3 of the Coroners Ordinance (Cap 504); or

(Added 10 of 2005 s. 144) (vb) been an adjudicator appointed in accordance with section 4 of the Small Claims Tribunal Ordinance (Cap 338); or (Added 10 of 2005 s. 144)

(vc) been a presiding officer appointed in accordance with section 4 of the Labour Tribunal Ordinance (Cap 25); or (Added 10 of 2005 s. 144)

(vi) been a legal officer as defined in section 2 of the Legal Officers Ordinance (Cap 87); or

(vii) (Repealed 8 of 1993 s. 26)

(viii) been the Director of Legal Aid or a Deputy Director of Legal Aid, Assistant Director of Legal Aid or Legal Aid Officer, appointed in accordance with section 3 of the Legal Aid Ordinance (Cap 91); or (Added 66 of 1976 s. 2. Amended 24 of 1983 s. 7; 39 of 1992 s. 13)

(ix)
been the Official Receiver or an Assistant Official Receiver (Legal), Assistant Principal Solicitor, Senior Solicitor or Solicitor, appointed in accordance with section 75 of the Bankruptcy Ordinance (Cap 6); or (Added 39 of 1992 s. 13. Amended 60 of 1992 s. 7; 68 of 1995 s. 18)
(x)
been the Director of Intellectual Property or a Deputy Director of Intellectual Property, Assistant Director of Intellectual Property, Senior Solicitor or Solicitor, appointed in accordance with section 3 of the Director of Intellectual Property (Establishment) Ordinance (Cap 412). (Added 60 of 1992 s. 7)
(2)
For the purpose of calculating such period of 5 years, periods of less than 5 years falling within any of the sub-paragraphs of paragraph (b) of subsection (1) may be combined. (Amended 38 of 1965 s. 2)
(3)
For the purposes of calculating the period of 5 years under subsection (1), periods served in an office specified in Part I of the First Schedule to the repealed Registrar General (Establishment) Ordinance (Cap 100) may be taken into account notwithstanding the repeal of that Ordinance. (Added 8 of 1993 s. 26)
(1 of 1953 s. 5 incorporated. Amended 10 of 2005 s. 144)
(1)
A judge sitting alone shall, subject to section 58 and to the rules, hear and dispose of proceedings in the Court and business arising out of the proceedings. (Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 6)
(2)
The proceedings in every action or matter subsequent to the hearing or trial, down to and including the final judgment or order, and any application for leave to appeal or for a stay of execution shall, so far as is practicable and convenient, be taken before the judge or Registrar before whom the trial or hearing took place. (Replaced 21 of 1962
s.
5. Amended 28 of 2000 s. 6)
Section: 6 Disposal of proceedings L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

(3) The business of the Court shall be heard and disposed of in court unless this Ordinance, the rules of court or

another enactment authorizes the matter to be heard and disposed of in chambers. (Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 6) (1 of 1953 s. 6 incorporated)

Section: 7 Appointment of deputy District Judges 10 of 2005 08/07/2005
(1)
The Chief Justice may appoint a person who is eligible under section 5 to be appointed as a District Judge to be a deputy District Judge if- (Amended 10 of 2005 s. 145)
(a)
the office of any District Judge becomes vacant for any reason; or (Amended 10 of 2005 s. 145)
(b)
he considers that the interests of the administration of justice require that a deputy District Judge should be appointed temporarily.
(2)
A deputy District Judge shall have and may exercise all the jurisdiction, powers and privileges and perform all the duties of a District Judge. A reference in any law to a deputy District Judge shall be construed accordingly. (Amended 10 of 2005 s. 145)
(3)
Without restricting the Chief Justice's power under subsection (1), the Chief Justice may appoint a deputy District Judge-
(a)
for a specified case or class of cases only;
(b)
for a specified period only.

(4) The Chief Justice may terminate the appointment of a deputy District Judge at any time. (Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 7)

Section: 8 Power of deputy District Judge in part-heard cases L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

A deputy District Judge may resume the hearing and determine any adjourned proceedings and to deliver judgment even if the period of his appointment as a deputy District Judge has expired or his appointment has been

Cap 336 - DISTRICT COURT ORDINANCE

terminated by the Chief Justice.

(Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 7)

Section: 9 Jurisdiction in part-heard cases of magistrates appointed to be judges 30/06/1997

Where a magistrate is appointed to be a judge he may, notwithstanding such appointment, exercise and discharge all such jurisdiction, powers, authorities and duties as were prior to such appointment vested in him as a magistrate, but in relation only to any proceedings which were duly commenced before him in his capacity as a magistrate prior to such appointment.

(Added 11 of 1970 s. 3)

Section: 10 Jurisdiction in part-heard cases of judges appointed to be High Court Judges or Court of First Instance deputy judges 25 of 1998 01/07/1997

Remarks:
Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 25 of 1998 s. 2

Where a judge is appointed-

(a) to be a judge of the High Court under section 6(1) of the High Court Ordinance (Cap 4); or
(b) to be a deputy judge of the Court of First Instance under section 10(1) of the Court of First Instance

Ordinance (Cap 4), he may, notwithstanding such appointment, exercise and discharge all such jurisdiction, powers, authorities and duties as were prior to such appointment vested in him as a judge of the Court, but in relation only to any proceedings which were duly commenced before him in his capacity as such judge prior to such appointment.

(Added 11 of 1970 s. 3. Amended 92 of 1975 s. 58; 49 of 1983 s. 7; 25 of 1998 s. 2)

Section: 11 (Repealed 47 of 1997 s. 10) 30/06/1997
Section: 11A Term of office of District Judges 25 of 1998 01/07/1997

Remarks:
Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 25 of 1998 s. 2

(1) A judge shall vacate his office when he attains the retiring age.

(2) Notwithstanding the fact that he has attained the retiring age, a person holding the office of a judge may continue in office for so long after attaining the retiring age as may be necessary to enable him to deliver judgment or to do any other thing in relation to proceedings that were commenced before him before he attained that age.
(3) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the term of office of a judge who was appointed to be such judge before 1 January 1987 may be extended for a specified period or periods not exceeding 5 years in the aggregate by the Chief Executive acting in accordance with the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission, and in any such case the judge shall accordingly be regarded as having attained the retiring age at the expiration of the specified period or periods. (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)
(4) A judge may at any time resign his office by notice in writing addressed to the Chief Executive. (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)
(5) In this section-"judge" (法官) means a District Judge; "retiring age" (退休年齡) means
(a) in relation to a judge who was appointed to be such judge before 1 January 1987, the age of 60 years; and
(b) in relation to a judge who was appointed to be such judge on or after 1 January 1987, the age of 65

years. (Added 26 of 1997 s. 4)

Section: 12 Distribution and disposal of business of the Court 30/06/1997
(1)
Subject to any rules made under this Ordinance, the Chief Justice may give such directions as he thinks fit touching the distribution and disposal of the business of the Court.
(2)
Subject to any such rules or directions and to the provisions of subsection (3), a judge shall sit for the disposal of business pending in the Court at such places and times as he may think fit. (Amended 21 of 1962 s. 7)
(3)
Any proceedings may at any time and at any stage thereof, and either with or without application from any of the parties thereto, be transferred in such manner as may be prescribed or as any such direction may authorize, from one judge to another. (Amended 21 of 1962 s. 7)

(1 of 1953 s. 8 incorporated)

Section: 13 Seal of the Court L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
(1)
The Court shall use such seal as the Chief Justice directs.
(2)
All writs, judgments, orders, documents and copies issued by the Court shall be sealed with the seal.
(3)
A writ, judgment, order, document or copy purporting to be sealed with the seal of the Court is admissible

in any court on its production without further proof. (Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 8)

Section: 14 Officers of the Court 10 of 2005 08/07/2005
(1)
The Chief Executive may appoint a registrar of the Court and such number of deputy registrars, assistant registrars, chief judicial clerks and bailiffs as he may think fit; and there may be attached to such court such number of clerks of the Court, clerks, interpreters and other officers as the Chief Executive may consider necessary. (Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 9)
(2)
In addition to any functions, powers and duties which he is by this or any other enactment enabled to exercise or required to discharge, the Registrar, and every deputy registrar, assistant registrar, bailiff, clerk of the Court, clerk, interpreter and other officer appointed or attached to the Court under the provisions of subsection (1) may exercise and discharge the like functions, powers and duties respectively insofar as the same are applicable to the business and proceedings of the Court, as those exercised and discharged by a registrar, deputy registrar, assistant registrar, bailiff, clerk of the Court, clerk, interpreter or other officer attached to the High Court. (Replaced 21 of 1962
s.
9. Amended 38 of 1965 s. 3; 92 of 1975 s. 58) (2A) The Registrar shall have and may exercise and discharge such other jurisdiction, powers and duties as may
be conferred or imposed on him by or under rules of court or any other law. (Added 28 of 2000 s. 9) (2B) The deputy registrars and assistant registrars may be called Masters. (Added 28 of 2000 s. 9)
(3)
Any act which under this or any other enactment is required or authorized to be done by the Registrar may be performed by a deputy registrar or assistant registrar of the Court; and any process of the Court may be executed by any bailiff thereof notwithstanding that it may have been directed personally to some other bailiff. (Amended 21 of 1962 s. 9; 38 of 1965 s. 3)
(4)
It shall be lawful, in relation to the business and proceedings of the Court, for the Registrar of the High Court and every temporary registrar, senior deputy registrar, temporary senior deputy registrar, deputy registrar, temporary deputy registrar, assistant registrar, temporary assistant registrar and bailiff attached to the High Court to exercise any power or discharge any duty which such Registrar, temporary registrar, senior deputy registrar, temporary senior deputy registrar, deputy registrar, temporary deputy registrar, assistant registrar, temporary assistant registrar or bailiff might respectively have exercised or discharged under subsections (2) and (3) if he had been appointed or attached to the Court under subsection (1). (Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 9. Amended 10 of 2005 s. 146)
(5)
In the exercise of his powers and discharge of his duties under this Ordinance, any person to whom this section applies shall be subject to the same liabilities and penalties and have the benefit of the same protection as attach by virtue of the provisions of the High Court Ordinance (Cap 4) to a person exercising or discharging similar powers or duties under that Ordinance. (Amended 21 of 1962 s. 9; 28 of 2000 s. 9)

(Replaced 18 of 1958 s. 3. Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)

Section: 14AA Professional qualifications of Registrar, deputy registrars and assistant registrars 10 of 2005 08/07/2005
(1) A person shall be eligible to be appointed as the Registrar, a deputy registrar or an assistant registrar if-
(a) he is qualified to practise as a barrister, solicitor or advocate in a court in Hong Kong or any other common law jurisdiction having unlimited jurisdiction either in civil or criminal matters; and
(b) since becoming so qualified, he has for a period of or periods totalling not less than 5 years-
(i) practised as a barrister, solicitor or advocate in such a court;
(ii) been a permanent magistrate appointed in accordance with section 5 of the Magistrates Ordinance (Cap 227);
(iii) been a coroner appointed in accordance with section 3 of the Coroners Ordinance (Cap 504);
(iv) been an adjudicator appointed in accordance with section 4 of the Small Claims Tribunal Ordinance (Cap 338);
(v) been a presiding officer appointed in accordance with section 4 of the Labour Tribunal Ordinance (Cap 25);
(vi) been a legal officer as defined in section 2 of the Legal Officers Ordinance (Cap 87);
(vii) been the Director of Legal Aid or a Deputy Director of Legal Aid, Assistant Director of Legal Aid or Legal Aid Officer, appointed in accordance with section 3 of the Legal Aid Ordinance (Cap 91); (viii) been the Official Receiver or an Assistant Official Receiver (Legal), Assistant Principal Solicitor, Senior Solicitor or Solicitor, appointed in accordance with section 75 of the Bankruptcy Ordinance (Cap 6); or (ix) been the Director of Intellectual Property or a Deputy Director of Intellectual Property, Assistant Director of Intellectual Property, Senior Solicitor or Solicitor, appointed in accordance with section 3 of the Director of Intellectual Property (Establishment) Ordinance (Cap 412).
(2) For the purposes of calculating the period of 5 years referred to in subsection (1)(b)-
(a) periods of less than 5 years falling within any of the subparagraphs of that subsection may be combined;
(b) periods served in an office specified in Part I of the First Schedule to the repealed Registrar General (Establishment) Ordinance (Cap 100) may be taken into account notwithstanding the repeal of that Ordinance.

(Added 10 of 2005 s. 147)

Section: 14AB Appointment of temporary registrar 10 of 2005 08/07/2005
(1) The Chief Justice may appoint a person who is eligible under section 14AA to be appointed as the Registrar to be a temporary registrar if-
(a) the office of the Registrar becomes vacant for any reason; or
(b) he considers that the interest of the administration of justice requires that a temporary registrar should be appointed.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the power conferred on him by subsection (1), the Chief Justice may appoint a temporary registrar for a specified period only.
(3) The Chief Justice may terminate the appointment of a temporary registrar at any time.
(4) In this section and section 14C, "temporary registrar" (暫委司法常務官) means a person appointed under

subsection (1) to be a temporary registrar. (Added 10 of 2005 s. 147)

Section: 14A Appointment of temporary deputy registrars 10 of 2005 08/07/2005
(1) The Chief Justice may appoint a person who is eligible under section 14AA to be appointed as a deputy registrar to be a temporary deputy registrar if- (Amended 10 of 2005 s. 148)
(a) the office of any deputy registrar becomes vacant for any reason; or
(b) he considers that the interest of the administration of justice requires that a temporary deputy registrar should be appointed.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the power conferred on him by subsection (1), the Chief Justice may appoint a temporary deputy registrar for a specified period only.
(3) A temporary deputy registrar shall, during the period for which he is appointed, have all the jurisdiction, powers and privileges, and discharge all the duties of a deputy registrar and any reference in any law to a deputy registrar shall be construed accordingly.
(4) The Chief Justice may terminate the appointment of a temporary deputy registrar at any time.
(5) A temporary deputy registrar may be called Master.
(6) In this section and section 14C, "temporary deputy registrar" (暫委副司法常務官) means a person

Cap 336 - DISTRICT COURT ORDINANCE

appointed under subsection (1) to be a temporary deputy registrar. (Added 28 of 2000 s. 10)

Section: 14B Appointment of temporary assistant registrars 10 of 2005 08/07/2005
(1) The Chief Justice may appoint a person who is eligible under section 14AA to be appointed as an assistant registrar to be a temporary assistant registrar if- (Amended 10 of 2005 s. 149)
(a) the office of any assistant registrar becomes vacant for any reason; or
(b) he considers that the interest of the administration of justice requires that a temporary assistant registrar should be appointed.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the power conferred on him by subsection (1), the Chief Justice may appoint a temporary assistant registrar for a specified period only.
(3) A temporary assistant registrar shall, during the period for which he is appointed, have all the jurisdiction, powers and privileges, and discharge all the duties of an assistant registrar and any reference in any law to an assistant registrar shall be construed accordingly.
(4) The Chief Justice may terminate the appointment of a temporary assistant registrar at any time.
(5) A temporary assistant registrar may be called Master.
(6) In this section and section 14C, "temporary assistant registrar" (暫委助理司法常務官) means a person

appointed under subsection (1) to be a temporary assistant registrar. (Added 28 of 2000 s. 10)

Section: 14C Powers of temporary registrar, etc. in case which is part-heard on termination of appointment 10 of 2005 08/07/2005

(1) If the hearing of any proceedings before a temporary registrar is adjourned or if he reserves judgment in any proceedings, the temporary registrar shall have power to resume the hearing and determine the proceedings or deliver judgment, notwithstanding that his appointment as a temporary registrar has expired or has been terminated.

(2) Subsection (1) shall apply to a temporary deputy registrar or temporary assistant registrar as it applies to a

temporary registrar. (Added 28 of 2000 s. 10. Amended 10 of 2005 s. 150)

Section: 15 Right of audience 25 of 2008 11/07/2008

(1) In any proceedings in the Court, any of the following persons may address the Court, namely-

(a) any party to the proceedings;
(b) a barrister qualified to practise in the High Court and retained by or on behalf of any party; (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)
(c) a solicitor qualified to practise in the High Court and acting generally in the proceedings for a party thereto, but not a solicitor retained as an advocate by a solicitor so acting; (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)
(d) any other person allowed by leave of the Court to appear instead of a party to the proceedings. (Amended 28 of 2000 s. 11)

(1A) The right of a solicitor to address the Court is not excluded by reason only of the fact that he is in the permanent and exclusive employment of any other solicitor. (Added 28 of 2000 s. 11)

(2) No person other than a solicitor shall be entitled to have or to recover any fee or reward for appearing or

acting on behalf of any other party in any proceedings in the Court. (Amended 28 of 2000 s. 11) (2A) The right of a barrister to appear or to act in the Court or of a solicitor to recover costs for the employment of a barrister to appear or to act is not affected by anything in this Ordinance. (Added 28 of 2000 s. 11)

(3) (Repealed 25 of 2008 s. 7) (Replaced 21 of 1962 s. 10)

Section: 16 Prohibition of proceedings in error 30/06/1997

No proceedings in error shall be taken upon any proceeding under the provisions of this Ordinance.
(1 of 1953 s. 12 incorporated)

Section: 17 District Court Rules Committee 10 of 2005 08/07/2005
(1)
There shall be a District Court Rules Committee consisting of the Chief Judge, 3 District Judges appointed by the Chief Judge, a barrister nominated by the Hong Kong Bar Association, a solicitor nominated by the Law Society of Hong Kong and the Registrar. (Amended 79 of 1981 s. 11)
(2)
At any meeting of the Rules Committee, 3 members, one of whom is either such a barrister or such a solicitor, shall be a quorum.
(3)
The Rules Committee shall be convened by or at the direction of the Chief Judge.
(4)
The Chairman of the Rules Committee shall be the Chief Judge or, in his absence, the senior District Judge

present at the meeting. (Replaced 21 of 1962 s. 11. Amended 10 of 2005 s. 10)

Section: 18 Transfer of unclaimed moneys in Court 25 of 1998 01/07/1997

Remarks:
Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 25 of 1998 s. 2

PART III

PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO BOTH CIVIL AND CRIMINAL
PROCEEDINGS

(1) When any sum of money remains unclaimed in the Court for a period of 5 years, the Chief Justice may, on application by the Registrar of the High Court, order such sum to be transferred to the general revenue of the Government. (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)

(2) Before making any order under subsection (1) the Chief Justice may direct that such notice, if any, as he

thinks necessary shall be given and to such parties as he may think fit. (Added 71 of 1971 s . 3)

Section: 19 (Repealed 59 of 1981 s. 4) 30/06/1997
Section: 20 Committal for contempt L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

If any person-

(a)
wilfully insults a judge or a witness or any officer of the Court during his sitting or attendance in court, or in going to or returning from the Court; or
(b)
wilfully interrupts the proceedings of the Court or commits contempt of the Court or otherwise

misbehaves in court, any officer of the Court, with or without the assistance of any other person may, by order of the judge, take the offender into custody and detain him until the rising of the Court and the judge may if he thinks fit-

(i)
by a warrant under his hand commit the offender to prison for a specified period not exceeding 2 years; or (Amended 25 of 1972 s. 2)
(ii)
impose upon the offender a fine for every such offence. (Amended 28 of 2000 s. 12) (Replaced 21 of 1962 s. 12. Amended 59 of 1981 s. 4)
Section: 21 (Repealed 13 of 1995 s. 46) 30/06/1997
Section: 22 Enforcement of liability for fees 30/06/1997

In default of the payment of any fees which have been prescribed, payment thereof shall be enforced, by order of the Court, in like manner as payment of any debt adjudged by the Court to be paid. (Replaced 21 of 1962 s. 12)

Section: 23 Enforcement of fines and forfeited recognizances L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
(1) The Court may enforce a fine imposed, or a recognizance forfeited, by it in the same manner as a judgment for the payment of money.
(2) The Court shall certify to the Registrar the sum payable if a fine or recognizance is not paid in full when it is due and the Registrar shall enforce the payment of the sum certified as a judgment debt due to the Court.

(3) In this section, "fine" (罰款) includes a penalty imposed in civil proceedings and payable to the Court. (Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 13)

Section: 24 Enforcement of orders and warrants for imprisonment 30/06/1997

Whenever any order or warrant for the committal of any person to prison is made or issued by the Court or a judge, the order or warrant shall be directed to the Registrar who shall thereby be empowered to take the body of the person against whom the order is made on the warrant issued and it shall be the duty-

(a) of every police officer to assist in the execution of every such order or warrant; and
(b) of the officer in charge of the prison mentioned in any such order or warrant to receive and keep the

person therein mentioned until he is lawfully discharged. (Replaced 21 of 1962 s. 12)

Section: 25 Registrar to take charge of fees, etc. L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

There shall be paid to the Registrar

(a) all fees payable under this Ordinance or under any other enactment, in respect of any proceedings in the Court;
(b) all forfeitures so imposed; and
(c) all fines so imposed. (Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 14) (Added 21 of 1962 s. 12)
Section: 26 (Repealed 28 of 2000 s. 15) L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
Section: 27 Falsely pretending to act under authority of the Court L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

Any person who-

(a) delivers or causes to be delivered to any other person any paper falsely purporting to be a copy of any summons or other process of the Court, knowing it to be false; or

(b) acts or professes to act under any false colour or pretence of the process or authority of the Court, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable-

(i) on summary conviction to a fine at level 6 and to imprisonment for 2 years; or (Amended 28 of 2000
s. 16)
(ii) on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for 7 years. (Added 21 of 1962 s. 12)
Section: 28 Falsely representing documents to have been issued from the Court L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

Without prejudice to the provisions of section 27 any person who knowingly delivers or causes to be delivered to any person any document which not having been issued under the authority of the Court has, by reason of its form or contents or both, the appearance of having been issued under such authority shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine at level 5 and to imprisonment for 12 months.

(Replaced 21 of 1962 s. 12. Amended L.N. 446 of 1994; L.N. 307 of 1998; 28 of 2000 s. 17)

Section: 29 Rescuing goods L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

Any person who rescues or attempts to rescue any goods seized in execution under process of the Court or seized under a distress for rent shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable-

(a)
on summary conviction to a fine at level 5 and to imprisonment for 12 months; or (Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 18)
(b)
on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for 2 years. (Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 18) (Added 21 of 1962 s. 12)
Section: 30 Assaulting officers L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

Any person who assaults, resists or obstructs an officer of the Court while in the execution of his duty shall be liable-

(a)
on summary conviction to a fine at level 5 and to imprisonment for 12 months; or (Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 19)
(b)
on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for 2 years. (Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 19) (Replaced 21 of 1962 s. 12)
Section: 31 Revocation of committal order L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

A judge may at any time revoke an order committing a person to prison under section 20 or 23 and, if he is already in custody, order his discharge. (Added 21 of 1962 s. 12. Amended 28 of 2000 s. 20)

Section: 32 General jurisdiction in actions of contract, quasi-contract and tort L.N. 241 of 2003 01/12/2003

PART IV

CIVIL JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE

Jurisdiction-General

(1)
The Court has jurisdiction to hear and determine any action founded on contract, quasi-contract or tort where the amount of the plaintiff's claim does not exceed $1000000.
(2)
In this section and in section 34, the amount of the plaintiff's claim means the amount the plaintiff claims after taking into account
(a)
any set-off or any debt or demand the defendant claims or may recover from the plaintiff;
(b)
any compensation, as defined in section 3 of the Employees' Compensation Ordinance (Cap 282), paid to the plaintiff under that Ordinance; and
(c)
any contributory negligence, that the plaintiff admits in his statement of claim.

(3) The Court has jurisdiction to hear and determine any proceedings by way of interpleader in which the

amount or value of the matter in dispute does not exceed $1000000. (Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 21. Amended L.N. 241 of 2003)

Section: 33 Money recoverable by enactment L.N. 241 of 2003 01/12/2003
(1) The Court has jurisdiction to hear and determine any action for the recovery of any penalty, expenses, contribution or other like demand which is recoverable by virtue of any enactment for the time being in force and for the recovery of any sum which is declared by any enactment to be recoverable as a civil debt if- (Amended 28 of 2000
s. 22)
(a) it is not expressly provided by that or any other enactment that the demand shall be recoverable only in some other court; and
(b) the amount claimed in the action does not exceed $1000000. (Amended 35 of 1966 s. 2; 68 of 1973 s. 2; 79 of 1981 s. 2; L.N. 387 of 1983; 49 of 1988 s. 4; L.N. 241 of 2003)

(2) For the purposes of this section, "penalty" (罰金) does not include a fine to which any person is liable on

conviction on indictment or on summary conviction. (22 of 1962 s. 4 incorporated. Amended 28 of 2000 s. 22)

Section: 34 Abandonment of part of claim to give Court jurisdiction L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
(1) The Court has jurisdiction to hear and determine an action that is in excess of the Court's monetary jurisdiction limit on the plaintiff abandoning the amount of the plaintiff's claim in excess and the action is one in which the Court otherwise has jurisdiction.
(2) The Court cannot award to the plaintiff in an action under this section an amount exceeding the Court's monetary jurisdiction limit for the action.

(3) The judgment of the Court in an action limited under this section is in full discharge of all demands in the

cause of action. (Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 23)

Section: 35 Jurisdiction for recovery of land L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

The Court has jurisdiction to hear and determine any action for the recovery of land, where the annual rent or the rateable value of the land, determined in accordance with the Rating Ordinance (Cap 116), or the annual value of the land, whichever is the least, does not exceed $240000.

(Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 23)

Section: 36 Jurisdiction where title in question L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

The Court has jurisdiction to hear and determine any action which would otherwise be within the jurisdiction of the Court and in which the title to an interest in land comes into question if-

(a) for an easement or licence, the rateable value, determined in accordance with the Rating Ordinance (Cap 116) or the annual value, whichever is the less, of the land, over which the easement or licence is claimed, does not exceed $240000; or
(b) for any other case, the rateable value, determined in accordance with the Rating Ordinance (Cap 116)

or the annual value, whichever is the less, of the land, does not exceed $240000. (Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 23)

Section: 37 Equity jurisdiction L.N. 241 of 2003 01/12/2003
(1) Subject to the maximum limits in amount or value set out in subsection (2), the Court has the jurisdiction of the Court of First Instance to hear and determine the following proceedings-
(a) proceedings relating to or for the administration of the estate of a deceased person;
(b) proceedings for the execution of a trust or for the declaration that a trust subsists or proceedings under section 3 of the Variation of Trusts Ordinance (Cap 253);
(c) proceedings for the foreclosure or redemption of a mortgage or for enforcing a charge or lien;
(d) proceedings for the specific performance, or for the rectification, rescission or delivery up or cancellation of an agreement for the sale, purchase or lease of property;
(e)
proceedings for the maintenance or advancement of an infant;
(f)
proceedings for the dissolution or winding up of a partnership, whether or not the existence of the partnership is in dispute;
(g)
proceedings for relief against fraud or mistake.
(2) The maximum limits in amount or value referred to in subsection (1) for
(a)
in the case of subsection (1)(a), an estate of a deceased person;
(b)
in the case of subsection (1)(b), an estate or fund subject or alleged to be subject to the trust;
(c)
in the case of subsection (1)(c), the amount owing under the mortgage, charge or lien;
(d)
in the case of subsection (1)(d), for an agreement for sale or purchase, the purchase money or, for an agreement for lease, the value of the property;
(e)
in the case of subsection (1)(e), the property of the infant;
(f)
in the case of subsection (1)(f), the assets of the partnership;
(g)
in the case of subsection (1)(g), the damage sustained or the estate or fund for which relief is sought, are
(i)
$1000000, where the proceedings do not involve or relate to land; (Amended L.N. 241 of 2003)
(ii)
$1000000, where the proceedings partly involve or partly relate to land and the part that does not so involve or does not so relate exceeds $1000000 in amount or value; (Amended L.N. 241 of 2003)
(iii) $3000000, where the proceedings wholly involve or wholly relate to land; (iv) $3000000, where the proceedings partly involve or partly relate to land and the part that does not so involve or does not so relate does not exceed $1000000 in amount or value. (Amended L.N. 241 of 2003)
(3)
A judge has in proceedings authorized by this section in addition to his other powers and authority the powers and authorities of a judge of the Court of First Instance acting in the exercise of the equitable jurisdiction of the Court of First Instance.
(4)
Nothing in this section gives jurisdiction to the Court in proceedings for the recovery of land or relating to the title to land, where the annual rent or the rateable value of the land, determined in accordance with the Rating Ordinance (Cap 116), or the annual value of the land, whichever is the least, exceeds $240000.

(Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 23)

Section: 37A (Repealed 28 of 2000 s. 23) L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
Section: 38 Jurisdiction under the Married Persons Status Ordinance L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

(Heading repealed 28 of 2000 s. 23)

The Court has the jurisdiction and powers of the Court of First Instance conferred by section 6 of the Married Persons Status Ordinance (Cap 182). (Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 23)

Section: 38A Execution of instruments by order of the Court L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009

(1) Subsection (2) applies where

(a)
the Court has given or made a judgment or order directing a person to
(i)
execute any conveyance, contract or other document; or
(ii)
endorse any negotiable instrument; and
(b)
that person
(i)
neglects or refuses to comply with the judgment or order; or
(ii)
cannot, after reasonable inquiry, be found.
(2)
The Court may, on such terms and conditions, if any, as may be just, order that the conveyance, contract or other document is to be executed, or that the negotiable instrument is to be endorsed, by such person as the Court may nominate for that purpose.
(3)
A conveyance, contract, document or instrument executed or endorsed in accordance with subsection (2) has the same effect as if it had been executed or endorsed by the person originally directed to execute or endorse it.

(4) Nothing in this section abridges the powers of the Court to proceed by attachment against any person

neglecting or refusing to execute or endorse any such instrument. (Added 3 of 2008 s. 35)

Section: 39 Counterclaims L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

Expanded Cross Reference:
32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37

In sections 32 to 37, references to an action or proceeding are to be construed as including references to a counterclaim. <* Note - Exp. X-Ref: Sections 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 *> (Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 23)

Section: 40 Saving L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

This Part does not affect the provisions of the Small Claims Tribunal Ordinance (Cap 338), the Landlord and Tenant (Consolidation) Ordinance (Cap 7) or the Labour Tribunal Ordinance (Cap 25) or any other Ordinance conferring exclusive jurisdiction on a court or tribunal other than the Court.

(Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 23)

Section: 41 Procedure where proceedings beyond the jurisdiction of the Court are commenced in the Court L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

Transfer of Proceedings and Miscellaneous Provisions as to Jurisdiction

(Added 28 of 2000 s. 23)

(1)
The Court shall, either of its own motion or on the application of any party, order that an action or proceeding be transferred to the Court of First Instance where an action or proceeding commenced in the Court, not being a counterclaim, is outside the jurisdiction of the Court but is within the jurisdiction of the Court of First Instance.
(2)
The Court may, if it thinks fit, instead of ordering that the action or proceeding be transferred, order that it be struck out where, on the application of a defendant, it appears to the Court that the plaintiff or, if more than one, one of the plaintiffs knew or ought to have known that the Court had no jurisdiction.
(3)
If a defendant in an action or proceeding within the jurisdiction of the Court makes a counterclaim which is not within the jurisdiction of the Court but within the jurisdiction of the Court of First Instance, the Court may, either of its own motion or on the application of any party, order-
(a)
that the whole proceedings be transferred to the Court of First Instance; or
(b)
that the proceedings on the counterclaim be transferred to the Court of First Instance; and the proceedings on the plaintiff's claim, except for a defence of set-off as to the whole or a part of the subject matter of the counterclaim, be heard and determined by the Court; or
(c)
where the Court considers the whole proceedings should be heard and determined in the Court, that the matter be reported to the Court of First Instance or a judge thereof.
(4)
On the receipt of a report mentioned in subsection (3)(c), the Court of First Instance or a judge thereof may, as it or he thinks fit, order either-
(a)
that the whole proceedings be transferred to the Court of First Instance; or
(b)
that the whole proceedings be heard and determined in the Court; or
(c)
that the proceedings on the counterclaim be transferred to the Court of First Instance; and the proceedings on the plaintiff's claim, except for a defence of set-off as to the whole or a part of the subject matter of the counterclaim, be heard and determined by the Court.
(5)
Where an order is made under subsection (3)(b) or subsection (4)(c) and judgment on the claim is given for the plaintiff, execution thereon shall, unless the Court of First Instance or a judge thereof at any time otherwise orders, be stayed until the proceedings transferred to the Court of First Instance have been concluded.

(6) If no report is made under subsection (3)(c), or if on any such report it is ordered that the whole proceedings be heard and determined in the Court, the Court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine the whole proceedings notwithstanding any enactment to the contrary.

(Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 23)

Section: 42 Transfer of proceedings to the Court of First Instance or the Lands Tribunal L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009

The Court may, either of its own motion or on the application of any party, order at any stage the transfer to the Court of First Instance or the Lands Tribunal of all or part of any action or proceedings before it which are within the jurisdiction of the Court of First Instance or the Lands Tribunal, as the case may be.

(Replaced 3 of 2008 s. 45)

Section: 43 Transfer to the Court from the Court of First Instance of proceedings within the jurisdiction of the Court L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
(1)
The Court of First Instance may, either of its own motion or on the application of any party, order the transfer to the Court of all or part of an action or proceeding, other than a counterclaim, which appears to the Court of First Instance likely to be within the jurisdiction of the Court.
(2)
An order may be made under this section at any stage of the proceedings of the motion of the Court of First Instance itself or on the application of any party.
(3)
The Court of First Instance is required to make an order under this section unless it is of the opinion that, by reason of the importance or complexity of any issue arising in the action or proceeding, or for any other reason, the action or proceeding ought to remain in the Court of First Instance.
(Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 23)
(1)
The Court of First Instance may, if the parties consent, order the transfer to the Court of all or part of an action or proceeding, including a counterclaim, which is outside the jurisdiction of the Court, but would have been within its jurisdiction except for the monetary limits specified in section 32, 33, 35, 36 or 37.
(2)
An order may be made under this section at any stage of the proceedings.
(3)
Upon a transfer under subsection (1), the Court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine all or part of an
Section: 44 Transfer to the Court from the Court of First Instance where the parties consent L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

action or proceeding, including a counterclaim, so transferred notwithstanding any enactment to the contrary. (Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 23)

Section: 44A Costs in transferred cases, etc. L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009

(1) This section applies to an action or proceeding transferred-

(a)
from the Court of First Instance to the Court;
(b)
from the Court to the Court of First Instance; or
(c)
from a tribunal to the Court.
(2)
The court or tribunal that orders the transfer may make an order for costs prior to the transfer and of the transfer of proceedings.
(3)
The costs of the whole proceedings both before and after the transfer are in the discretion of the court to which the proceedings are transferred subject to any order made by the court or tribunal which ordered the transfer.
(4)
The court to which the proceedings are transferred has power to order costs and order the scales on which the costs of the several parts of the proceedings are to be taxed. The costs of the whole proceedings are to be taxed in the court to which the proceedings are transferred.
(5)
In an action founded on contract, quasi-contract or tort, for the proceedings in the Court of First Instance before the transfer, the Court may, if satisfied that there was sufficient reason for bringing the action in the Court of First Instance and subject to any order of the Court of First Instance, allow costs on the Court of First Instance scale.

(6) (Repealed 3 of 2008 s. 4) (Added 28 of 2000 s. 23)

Section: 45 Division of causes of action 30/06/1997

No cause of action shall be split or divided so as to be made the ground of 2 or more different actions for the purpose of bringing 2 or more actions in the Court. (22 of 1962 s. 16 incorporated)

Section: 46 Infancy no defence 30/06/1997

No person shall by reason of his not having attained the full age of 21 years be exempted from liability for any debt, damages or demand arising under an agreement made before the date of commencement* of the Age of Majority (Related Provisions) Ordinance (Cap 410) where the debt, damages or demand-

(a)
does not exceed the sum of $60000; or (Added 49 of 1988 s. 4)
(b)
has been reduced to a sum not exceeding $60000 by reason of the plaintiff having abandoned the

amount in excess of $60000 in his cause of action. (Added 49 of 1988 s. 4) (22 of 1962 s. 17 incorporated. Amended 49 of 1988 s. 4; 32 of 1990 s. 18)

Note:

* Commencement date: 1 October 1990.

Section: 47 (Repealed 28 of 2000 s. 24) L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
Section: 47A Power of the Court to order disclosure, etc. of documents before commencement of proceedings L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009

Discovery and Related Procedures

(Added 28 of 2000 s. 24)

(1)
A person who appears to the Court to be likely to be a party to subsequent proceedings may apply to the Court for an order for discovery of documents against a person who is likely to be a party to the proceedings and who has in his possession, custody or power documents directly relevant to an issue arising out of the claim. (Amended 3 of 2008 s. 15)
(2) The application is to be made in accordance with rules of court.
(3)
The Court may order the person, if it appears to it that the person is likely to have or to have had in his possession, custody or power any directly relevant documents- (Amended 3 of 2008 s. 15)
(a)
to disclose whether those documents are in his possession, custody or power; and
(b)
to produce the documents in his possession, custody or power to the applicant or, on the conditions specified in the order-
(i)
to the applicant's legal advisers;
(ii)
to the applicant's legal advisers and a medical or other professional adviser of the applicant; or
(iii) if the applicant has no legal adviser, to a medical or other professional adviser of the applicant.
(4)
For the purposes of subsections (1) and (3), a document is only to be regarded as directly relevant to an issue arising out of a claim in the anticipated proceedings if-
(a)
the document would be likely to be relied on in evidence by any party in the proceedings; or
(b)
the document supports or adversely affects any party's case. (Added 3 of 2008 s. 15) (Added 28 of 2000 s. 24)
(1)
A party to proceedings in an action, in which a claim is made, may apply to the Court in accordance with rules of court for an order for discovery of documents against a person who is not a party to the proceedings and who is likely to have or to have had in his possession, custody or power documents relevant to an issue arising out of the claim. (Amended 3 of 2008 s. 20)
(2) The Court may order the person, if it appears to it that the person is likely to have or to have had in his possession, custody or power any relevant documents-
(a) to disclose whether those documents are in his possession, custody or power; and
(b) to produce the documents in his possession, custody or power to the applicant or, on the conditions specified in the order-
(i) to the applicant's legal advisers;
(ii) to the applicant's legal advisers and a medical or other professional adviser of the applicant; or
(iii) if the applicant has no legal adviser, to a medical or other professional adviser of the applicant.
(3) A party to proceedings in an action, in which a claim is made, may apply to the Court for an order against a person who is not a party to the proceedings for, and the Court may order- (Amended 3 of 2008 s. 20)
(a) the inspection, photographing, preservation, custody and detention of property which is not the property of, or in the possession of, a party to the proceedings but which is the subject-matter of the proceedings or as to which any question arises in the proceedings;
(b) the taking of samples of the property mentioned in paragraph (a) and the carrying out of any experiment on or with the property.
(4) An application under this section is to be made in accordance with rules of court.
(5) The powers in this section are in addition to the power of the Court to make orders which is exercisable apart from this section.
(6) In this section, "property" (財產) includes any land, chattel or other physical property of any description. (Added 28 of 2000 s. 24)
(1) The power to make rules of court includes power to make rules of court as to the circumstances in which an order under section 47A or 47B can be made.
(2) Rules may include the incidental, supplementary and consequential provisions which the Rules Committee may consider necessary or expedient.
Section: 47B Extension of powers of the Court to order disclosure of documents, inspection of property, etc. L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009

Cap 336 - DISTRICT COURT ORDINANCE

Section: 47C Provisions supplementary to sections 47A and 47B L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

(3) The Court shall award costs of and incidental to the proceedings to the person against whom an order is

sought under sections 47A and 47B unless the Court otherwise directs. (Added 28 of 2000 s. 24)

Section: 47D Powers of the Court exercisable before commencement of action L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009
(1) A person authorized by the rules may, in proceedings in an action, in which a claim is made, apply to the Court for an order for and the Court may order- (Amended 3 of 2008 s. 16)
(a) the inspection, photographing, preservation, custody and detention of property which may become the subject-matter of the proceedings or as to which any question may arise in the proceedings;
(b) the taking of samples of the property mentioned in paragraph (a) and the carrying out of any experiment on or with the property.
(2) An application under this section is to be made in accordance with rules of court.
(3) Rules may be made to include-
(a) the manner in which an application for an order can be made and by whom;
(b) the circumstances in which an order can be made; and
(c) the incidental, supplementary and consequential provisions which the Rules Committee may consider necessary or expedient.
(4) In this section, "property" (財產) includes any land, chattel or other physical property of any description. (Added 28 of 2000 s. 24)
(1) Section 47D binds the Government so far as it relates to property (within the meaning of that section) which appears to the Court to be likely to become the subject-matter of subsequent proceedings. (Amended 3 of 2008 s. 21)
(2) Sections 47A, 47B and 47C bind the Government.
(3)
The Court shall not make an order under section 47A, 47B or 47D if it considers that compliance with an
Section: 47E Application to Government of sections 47A to 47D L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009

Cap 336 - DISTRICT COURT ORDINANCE

order would be likely to be injurious to the public interest. (Added 28 of 2000 s. 24)

Section: 48 General ancillary jurisdiction L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

Exercise of Jurisdiction and Ancillary Jurisdiction

(1) The Court has the same power as the Court of First Instance in any proceedings before it-

(a) to grant the relief, redress, or remedy or combination of remedies, either absolute or conditional; and

(b)
subject to section 46, to give effect to every ground of defence or counterclaim, equitable or legal, which ought to be granted or given.
(2)
The Court has to administer law and equity so that, if there is a conflict or variance between the rules of equity and the rules of the common law referring to the same matter, the rules of equity prevail.
(3) The Court has to give the same effect as in the past-
(a)
to equitable estates, titles, rights, relieves, defences and counterclaims, and to equitable duties and liabilities; and
(b)
subject to paragraph (a), to legal claims and demands and estates, titles, rights, duties, obligations, and liabilities existing by the common law or by any custom or created by an Ordinance.
(4)
The Court has to exercise its jurisdiction to secure that, as far as possible, all matters in dispute between the parties are completely and finally determined, and multiplicity of legal proceedings on any of those matters is avoided.

(5) The Court may stay any proceedings before it, where it thinks fit to do so, either of its own motion or on the

application of any person, whether or not a party to the proceedings. (Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 24)

Section: 48A Power to award damages as well as, or in substitution for, injunction or specific performance L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

The Court may award damages in addition to or in substitution for an injunction or specific performance where it has jurisdiction to entertain an application for an injunction or specific performance. (Added 28 of 2000 s. 24)

Section: 48B Contempt of Court L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

A judge has the powers of a judge of the Court of First Instance to-

(a)
punish for disobedience of a judgment or order of the Court; or
(b)
punish for breach of undertaking; or
(c)
discipline or punish for breach of a duty imposed upon a solicitor by rules of court. (Added 28 of 2000 s. 24)
Section: 49 Interest on claims for debt and damages L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
(1)
The Court may include simple interest, at the rate the Court thinks fit in a judgment for a debt or damages, on the debt or damages or on a payment made before judgment, for the period between the date when the cause of action arose and-
(a)
for a sum paid before judgment, the date of the payment; and
(b)
for the sum for which judgment is given, the date of the judgment.
(2) Rules of court may provide for the rate of interest and the method of calculation.
(3)
In a judgment given for damages for personal injuries or arising out of the death of a person which exceed $30000, the Court has, unless the Court is satisfied that there are special reasons to the contrary, to include simple interest at the rate the Court thinks fit on-
(a)
payment made before judgment, for the period between the date when the cause of action arose and the date of the payment; and
(b)
any other sum for which judgment is given, for the period between the date when the cause of action

arose and the date of the judgment.

(4) The defendant in proceedings for the recovery of a debt who pays the whole debt to the plaintiff (otherwise than in pursuance of a judgment in the proceedings) is liable to pay the plaintiff interest at the rate the Court thinks fit or rules of court provide on the debt for the period between the date when the cause of action arose and the date of the payment.
(5) Interest in respect of a debt shall not be awarded under this section for a period during which, for whatever reason, interest on the debt already runs.
(6) Interest under this section may be calculated at different rates for different periods.
(7) In determining, for the purposes of section 32, 33, 36 or 37, whether an amount exceeds or is less than the amount specified in those sections, the Court shall not take account of any interest that may be ordered under this section or of any order for interest made under this section.
(8) This section does not affect the damages recoverable for the dishonour of a bill of exchange.
(9) In this section-"defendant" (被告人) means the person from whom the plaintiff seeks the debt or damages; "plaintiff" (原告人) means the person seeking the debt or damages.

(Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 24)

Section: 50 Interest on judgments L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

(1) Judgment debts are to carry simple interest-

(a) at the rate the Court orders; or

(b) in the absence of an order, at the rate the Chief Justice determines by order, on the total amount of the judgment debt, or on the part that for the time being remains unpaid, from the date of the judgment until payment.
(2) Interest under this section may be calculated at different rates for different periods. (Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 24)
(1) The Court shall have jurisdiction to grant and to enforce injunctions of whatsoever nature and as the case may require and to make binding declarations of right
(a) in all matters affecting movable property, including money and choses in actions, where the amount or value thereof does not exceed $1000000; and (Amended 68 of 1973 s. 2; 79 of 1981 s. 2; L.N. 387 of 1983; 49 of 1988 s. 4; 28 of 2000 s. 25; L.N. 241 of 2003)
(b) with respect to any apprehended distress; and
(c) in all matters affecting immovable property, including any right, licence or easement in, to, through or over any immovable property and any agreement, covenant or condition respecting immovable property, where the annual rent or the rateable value, determined in accordance with the provisions of the Rating Ordinance (Cap 116) or the annual value, whichever is the less, of the property does not exceed $240000; and (Amended 68 of 1973 s. 3; 79 of 1981 s. 2; L.N. 387 of 1983; 49 of 1988 s. 4;
L.N. 145 of 1992; 28 of 2000 s. 25)
(d) in all matters of contract not falling within paragraph (a), (b) or (c) where the amount or value of the subject matter of the contract does not exceed $1000000, (Amended 68 of 1973 s. 2; 79 of 1981 s. 2;
Section: 51 (Repealed 28 of 2000 s. 24) L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
Section: 52 Extension of jurisdiction to grant injunctions and to make declarations L.N. 241 of 2003 01/12/2003

L.N. 387 of 1983; 49 of 1988 s. 4; 28 of 2000 s. 25; L.N. 241 of 2003) notwithstanding that any claim for damages or for any other relief or remedy which the Court is competent to grant shall be made in the proceedings. (Amended 35 of 1966 s. 4)

(2) Nothing in this section shall-

(a) be deemed to confer admiralty jurisdiction upon the Court; or
(b) prejudicially affect the provisions of section 48; or (Amended 28 of 2000 s. 25)
(c) empower the Court to grant any injunction or to make any declaration in such manner as to affect any

process or proceeding of or in the Court of First Instance. (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)

(22 of 1962 s. 21 incorporated)

(1) The Court may by order impose a charge for securing the payment of any money due or to become due under a judgment or order of the Court on a judgment debtor's property specified in the order.
(2) In deciding whether to make a charging order the Court has to consider all the circumstances of the case and, in particular, any evidence before it as to-
(a) the personal circumstances of the debtor; and
(b) whether any other creditor of the debtor would be likely to be unduly prejudiced by the making of the order.
(3) This section applies to a judgment, order, decree or award however called of any court or arbitrator, including a court of justice outside of Hong Kong or arbitrator outside of Hong Kong, which is or has become enforceable, whether wholly or to a limited extent, as it applies to a judgment or order of the Court.
(Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 26)
(1) Subject to section 25 (which provides that a writ of execution shall not issue against any partnership property except on a judgment against the firm) of the Partnership Ordinance (Cap 38), a charge may be imposed by a charging order under this Ordinance only on
(a) an interest held by the judgment debtor beneficially-
(i) in an asset of a kind mentioned in subsection (2); or
(ii) under a trust; or
(b) an interest held by a person as trustee of a trust (in this paragraph referred to as "the trust"), if the interest is in an asset of a kind mentioned in subsection (2) or is an interest under another trust and-
(i) the judgment or order for which a charge is to be imposed was made against the person as trustee of the trust;
(ii) the whole beneficial interest under the trust is held by the judgment debtor unencumbered and for his own benefit; or
(iii) 2 or more judgment debtors are all liable to the judgment creditor for the same debt and together hold the whole beneficial interest under the trust unencumbered and for their own benefit. (2) The assets referred to in subsection (1) are-
(a) land;
(b) securities of any of the following kinds-
(i) Government stock;
(ii) stock of any body incorporated in Hong Kong;
(iii) stock of any body incorporated outside Hong Kong or of any state or territory outside Hong Kong, being stock registered in a register kept in Hong Kong; (iv) units of a unit trust for which a register of the unit holders is kept in Hong Kong;
(c) funds in court.
(3) The Court may extend a charge to any interest, dividend or other distribution payable and any bonus issue in respect of the asset where the charging order is over an interest in an asset other than land.
(4) In this section-"dividend" (股息) includes a distribution for any unit of a unit trust; "stock" (證券) includes shares, debentures, loan stocks, funds, bonds, notes, any other securities issued by the body

concerned, whether or not constituting a charge on the assets of the body and any rights or options to subscribe for or be allotted any of them;

"unit trust" (單位信託) means a trust established to provide for persons having funds to invest, facilities for them to participate as beneficiaries under the trust in the profits or income arising from acquiring, holding, managing or disposing of property.

(Added 28 of 2000 s. 26)

Section: 52AB Provisions supplementary to sections 52A and 52B L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
(1)
A charging order may be made either absolutely or subject to conditions as to notifying the judgment debtor or as to the time when the charge is to become enforceable, or as to other matters.
(2)
The Land Registration Ordinance (Cap 128) applies to charging orders as it applies to other orders or writs issued or made to enforce judgments.
(3)
A charge imposed by a charging order has the same effect and is enforceable in the same courts and in the same manner as an equitable charge created by the judgment debtor by writing under his hand.
(4)
The Court may at any time, on the application of the judgment debtor or of any person interested in any property to which the order relates, make an order discharging or varying the charging order.
(5)
The Land Registrar shall, on the filing with him of a memorial and an office copy of an order under subsection (4) discharging a charging order registered under the Land Registration Ordinance (Cap 128), enter a discharge of the charging order on the register. The Land Registrar may issue certificates of the entry.
(Added 28 of 2000 s. 26)
(1)
The Court may by order (whether interlocutory or final) grant an injunction or appoint a receiver in any action or proceedings in the Court and within its jurisdiction in which the Court considers it just or convenient so to do.
(2) The order may be made either unconditionally or on the terms and conditions the Court thinks just.
(3)
The Court may grant an interlocutory injunction restraining a party to any proceedings from removing from the jurisdiction of the Court, or otherwise dealing with, assets located within the jurisdiction whether the party is or is not domiciled, resident or present within the jurisdiction.
(4)
The Court may, on an application made at any time before, at, or after the hearing of an action or proceedings, grant an injunction to prevent any threatened or apprehended waste or trespass whether-
(a)
the person against whom the injunction is sought is or is not in possession under any claim of title or otherwise, or (if out of possession) does or does not claim a right to do the act sought to be restrained under any colour of title; and
(b)
the estates claimed by both or by either of the parties are legal or equitable.
(5)
The Court may appoint a receiver by way of equitable execution in relation to all legal estates and interests in land. The Court may exercise the power to appoint a receiver
(a)
in relation to an estate or interest in land whether or not a charge has been imposed on that land under section 52A to enforce the judgment, order, decree or award in question; and
(b)
in addition to, and not in derogation of, any power of any court to appoint a receiver in proceedings for enforcing a charge.
(6)
Where an order under section 52A imposing a charge to enforce a judgment, order, decree or award has been registered under section 2 of the Land Registration Ordinance (Cap 128), section 3(2) of that Ordinance does not apply to an order appointing a receiver made either
(a)
in proceedings to enforce the charge; or
(b)
by way of equitable execution of the judgment, order, decree or award or of so much of it as required
Section: 52B Injunction and receivers L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

payment of moneys secured by the charge. (Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 26)

Section: 52C Attachment of debts L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
(1)
A sum standing to the credit of a person in a deposit account of an authorized institution is deemed to be a sum due to the person for the purposes of jurisdiction of the Court to attach debts to satisfy judgments or orders for the payment of money.
(2)
Subject to rules of court, the sum in the deposit account of an authorized institution is attachable even if any of the following conditions applicable to the account has not been satisfied-
(a)
that notice is required before any money is withdrawn;
(b)
that a personal application must be made before any money is withdrawn;
(c)
that a deposit book must be produced before any money is withdrawn;
(d)
that a receipt for money deposited must be produced before any money is withdrawn; or
(e)
any other condition prescribed by rules of court.

(Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 26)

(1)
Subject to section 52E, a person shall not be arrested or imprisoned to enforce, secure or pursue a civil claim for the payment of money or damages except under an order of Court; and the Court shall have jurisdiction to make such an order for arrest or imprisonment only to enforce, secure or pursue a judgment for the payment of a specified sum of money.
(2)
An order for imprisonment under subsection (1) shall be for a period not exceeding 3 months.
(3)
The period mentioned in subsection (2) may be amended by resolution of the Legislative Council.
(4)
(a) The Court may, on application, discharge, vary or suspend an order for arrest or imprisonment made under this section, either absolutely or subject to such conditions as the Court thinks fit.
(b) The Court may make an order for arrest or imprisonment under this section subject to such conditions as it thinks fit, including conditions as to the time and place of execution of the order and the condition that the judgment debtor be released on the payment of the judgment debt and costs, the provision of security by him or on his behalf or on the surrender of his travel documents.
(5)
This section shall not affect any jurisdiction of the Court to make orders of committal in relation to
(a)
contempt of court; or
(b)
disobedience of a judgment or order of the Court. (Added 1 of 1984 s. 10)
(1)
The Court shall have jurisdiction to make an order prohibiting a person from leaving Hong Kong (a prohibition order) to facilitate the enforcement, securing or pursuance of-
(a)
a judgment against that person for the payment of a specified sum of money;
(b)
a judgment or order against that person
(i)
for the payment of an amount to be assessed; or
(ii)
requiring him to deliver any property or perform any other act; or
(c)
a civil claim (other than a judgment)-
(i)
for the payment of money or damages; or
(ii)
for the delivery of any property or the performance of any other act.
(2)
The Court shall not make an order under subsection (1)(b) unless it is satisfied that there is probable cause for believing that-
(a)
the person against whom the order is sought is about to leave Hong Kong; and
(b)
by reason of paragraph (a), satisfaction of the judgment or order is likely to be obstructed or delayed.
(3)
The Court shall not make an order under subsection (1)(c) unless it is satisfied that there is probable cause for believing that-
(a)
there is a good cause of action;
(b)
the person against whom the order is sought
(i)
incurred the alleged liability, which is the subject of the claim, in Hong Kong while he was present in Hong Kong; or
(ii)
carries on business in Hong Kong; or
(iii) is ordinarily resident in Hong Kong;
(c)
that person is about to leave Hong Kong; and
(d)
by reason of paragraph (c), any judgment that may be given against that person is likely to be obstructed or delayed.
(4)
(a) The Court may, on application, discharge a prohibition order, either absolutely or subject to such conditions as the Court thinks fit.
(b) The Court may make a prohibition order subject to such conditions as it thinks fit, including the condition that the order shall have no effect if the judgment debtor or person against whom the claim is made satisfies the judgment or the claim or provides such security as the Court may order.
(5)
(a) An order under subsection (1) shall lapse-
(i)
on the expiry of one month but the Court may, on the application of the judgment creditor or
claimant, extend or renew the order for a period which does not exceed, with the initial period of one month and any other period of extension or renewal, 3 months; and
(ii) on the service upon the Director of Immigration and the filing with the Registrar of a notice by the judgment creditor or claimant advising that the order is no longer required.
(b) The judgment creditor or claimant shall serve and file the notice mentioned in paragraph (a)(ii) as soon as reasonably possible after the order is no longer required.
(6) A copy of an order under subsection (1) and any other order ancillary thereto shall be served on the Director of Immigration, the Commissioner of Police and, if he can be found, the judgment debtor or person against whom the claim is made.
(7) Where the Court makes an order under subsection (1) prohibiting a person from leaving Hong Kong, any person who, having been served with a copy of the order or otherwise informed of its effect, attempts to leave Hong Kong in contravention of that order may be arrested by any immigration officer, police officer or bailiff.
(8) (a) A person arrested under subsection (7) shall be brought before the Court before the expiry of the day after the day of arrest and the Court may
(i) in the case mentioned in subsection (1)(a), make such order, for the examination or imprisonment of that person, under rules of court, as is appropriate; (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2; 28 of 2000 s. 27)
(ii) in the case of any other person, make an order for the imprisonment of that person until the lapse or discharge of the prohibition order; or
(iii) in any case, make an order discharging that person from arrest either absolutely or upon compliance with such conditions as the Court thinks fit. (b) Section 71 of the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance (Cap 1) shall not apply to this subsection.
(9) The Director of Immigration shall not be liable for any failure to prevent any person against whom an order is made under this section from leaving Hong Kong.
(10) The form of order under this section may be set by the Chief Justice. (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2; 28 of 2000
s. 27) (Added 1 of 1984 s. 10)
(1) The costs of and incidental to all proceedings in the Court, including the administration of estates and trusts, are in the discretion of the Court, and the Court has full power to determine by whom and to what extent the costs are to be paid.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the Court may, in accordance with rules of court, make an order awarding costs against a person who is not a party to the relevant proceedings, if the Court is satisfied that it is in the interests of justice to do so. (Replaced 3 of 2008 s. 32)
(3) In any civil proceedings before it, the Court may, in accordance with rules of court, by order disallow, or order the legal representative concerned to meet, the whole or any part of any wasted costs. (Added 3 of 2008 s. 23)
(4) When determining whether or not to make an order under subsection (3), the Court shall, in addition to all other relevant circumstances, take into account the interest that there be fearless advocacy under the adversarial system of justice. (Added 3 of 2008 s. 23)
(5) In subsection (3), wasted costs (虛耗訟費) means any costs incurred by a party as a result of (a) an improper or unreasonable act or omission; or
(b) any undue delay or other misconduct or default, on the part of any legal representative, whether personally or through an employee or agent of the legal representative. (Added 3 of 2008 s. 23)

(6) In this section, legal representative (法律代表), in relation to a party to any proceedings, means a

counsel or solicitor conducting litigation on behalf of the party. (Added 3 of 2008 s. 23) (Added 28 of 2000 s. 28)

(1) This section applies where

(a) the parties to a dispute have agreed on all the issues in dispute, including who is to pay the costs of and incidental to the dispute;
(b) the agreement has been made or confirmed in writing;
(c) no proceedings relating to the dispute have been commenced; and
(d) the parties have failed to agree on the amount of the costs of and incidental to the dispute.
(2) Subject to any other Ordinance, either party to the agreement may commence proceedings for an order for the costs of and incidental to the dispute, in accordance with rules of court.
(3) In any proceedings commenced under subsection (2) or transferred to the Court under section 52C of the High Court Ordinance (Cap 4), the Court may
(a) make an order for the costs of and incidental to the dispute to be taxed or assessed;
(b) make an order awarding costs to or against any party to the proceedings; and
(c) make an order awarding costs against a person who is not a party to the proceedings, if it is satisfied that it is in the interests of justice to do so.
(4) A reference to costs in subsection (3)(b) and (c) is a reference to the costs of and incidental to the proceedings commenced under subsection (2) or transferred to the Court under section 52C of the High Court Ordinance (Cap 4).
(5) The Court has jurisdiction to make an order under subsection (3) if the amount of the partys claim for those costs does not exceed $1000000.
(6) In this section, Court (區域法院) includes the Registrar and a master of the Court. (Added 3 of 2008 s. 5)
(1) The Court may, either of its own motion or on the application of any party, order the transfer of proceedings commenced under section 53A(2) to the Court of First Instance.
(2) An order may be made under this section at any stage of the proceedings. (Added 3 of 2008 s. 5)
(1) Where the Court has made an award of costs under section 53A(3), it may order that those costs be taxed in accordance with
(a) Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 to Order 62 of the Rules of the District Court (Cap 336 sub. leg. H); or
(b) the First Schedule and the Second Schedule to Order 62 of the Rules of the High Court (Cap 4 sub. leg. A).
(2) Where an award of costs under section 53A(3) is made by the Registrar or a master of the Court, the power of the Court under subsection (1) in relation to those costs may be exercised by the Registrar or that master (as the case may be).
Section: 53B Transfer of costs-only proceedings to Court of First Instance L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009
Section: 53C Scale of costs on which costs awarded under section 53A are taxed L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009

(Added 3 of 2008 s. 5)

Section: 54 (Repealed 28 of 2000 s. 29) L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

Procedure Procedure

Section: 55 (Repealed 28 of 2000 s. 29) L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
Section: 56 (Repealed 28 of 2000 s. 29) L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
Section: 57 (Repealed 28 of 2000 s. 29) L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
Section: 58 Assessors L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
(1)
In any civil proceedings, the Court may call to its aid not more than 2 assessors specially qualified and may dispose of such proceedings, wholly or in part, with the aid of such assessor or assessors, but the decision of the judge shall be the decision of the Court.
(2)
The Court may determine the remuneration, if any, to be paid to an assessor in respect of his services. (Amended 28 of 2000 s. 30)

(3) This section does not authorize the payment of remuneration to a person employed full time in any office of

emolument of the Government. (Added 28 of 2000 s. 30) (22 of 1962 s. 34 incorporated)

Section: 59 Examination of witnesses outside the jurisdiction of the Court L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

(1) The Court of First Instance has the same power to issue a commission, request or order to examine witnesses outside the jurisdiction of the Court for the purpose of proceedings in the Court as it has for the purpose of a cause or matter in the Court of First Instance.

(2) The Court of First Instance may order that the proceedings be transferred to the Court of First Instance

where an application is made to examine witnesses outside the jurisdiction of the Court. (Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 31)

Section: 60 Oral and written judgments, etc. 30/06/1997
(1)
The reasons for any judgment or order of the Court may be delivered orally or in writing. (Amended 1 of 1993 s. 3)
(1A) Where the reasons for any judgment or order are delivered orally, those reasons shall be reduced to writing within 21 days after the hearing or the trial and the reasons so reduced to writing shall be signed by the judge. (Added 1 of 1993 s. 3)
(2)
Every party to the proceedings shall be entitled to a copy of any written judgment or order on payment of such fees as may be prescribed.
(3) (Repealed 1 of 1993 s. 3) (22 of 1962 s. 36 incorporated)
(1)
Where a judge is prevented by death, absence or otherwise howsoever from concluding the trial of any cause, any other judge, with the consent of the parties, may proceed therewith and may give judgment therein and in so doing may act not only upon any further evidence adduced in the proceedings but also upon any evidence already received insofar as it has been recorded.
(2)
For the purposes of this section, the fact that a judge purports to proceed with an unconcluded trial in accordance with the provisions of subsection (1), shall be conclusive evidence that the former judge in such cause is dead, absent or otherwise not available.
Section: 61 (Repealed 28 of 2000 s. 32) L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
Section: 62 Death or absence of judge before conclusion of trial 30/06/1997

(22 of 1962 s. 38 incorporated)

Section: 63 Appeals in civil matters* L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009

Appeals

(1) Subject to subsection (3), an appeal can, with leave of a judge or the Court of Appeal, be made to the Court of Appeal from every judgment, order or decision of a judge in any civil cause or matter. (1A) Subject to subsection (1B), an appeal lies as of right to a judge in chambers from a judgment, order or decision of a master in any civil cause or matter. (Added 3 of 2008 s. 28)

(1B) Where rules of court provide that an appeal from a specified judgment, order or decision of a master lies to the Court of Appeal, the appeal may be made to the Court of Appeal with leave of a master or the Court of Appeal. (Added 3 of 2008 s. 28)

(2) An appeal is subject to rules of court.

(3) A person against whom an order is made pursuant to section 20, 29, 48B, 52D, 52E or 53(3) is entitled to appeal to the Court of Appeal without leave.

(4) In this section, master (聆案官) means the Registrar, a deputy registrar or assistant registrar. (Added

3 of 2008 s. 28) (Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 33. Amended 3 of 2008 s. 28)

Note:

* (Replaced 3 of 2008 s. 28)

Section: 63A Leave to appeal L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009

(1) Leave to appeal granted under section 63 may be granted

(a) in respect of a particular issue arising out of the judgment, order or decision; and
(b) subject to such conditions as the judge, the master or the Court of Appeal hearing the application for leave considers necessary in order to secure the just, expeditious and economical disposal of the appeal.

(2) Leave to appeal shall not be granted unless the judge, the master or the Court of Appeal hearing the application for leave is satisfied that

(a) the appeal has a reasonable prospect of success; or
(b) there is some other reason in the interests of justice why the appeal should be heard.

(3) In this section, master (聆案官) means the Registrar, a deputy registrar or assistant registrar. (Added 3 of 2008 s. 29)

Section: 63B Decision on leave to appeal final L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009

No appeal lies from a decision of the Court of Appeal as to whether or not leave to appeal to it should be granted. (Added 3 of 2008 s. 29)

Section: 64 Powers of Court of Appeal on appeal 25 of 1998 01/07/1997

Remarks:
Adapation amendments retroactively made - see 25 of 1998 s. 2

(1) On any appeal, the Court of Appeal may draw any inference of fact and may

(a) order a new trial on such terms as it thinks just; or
(b) order judgment to be entered for any party; or
(c) make a final or other order on such terms as it thinks proper to ensure the determination on the merits of the real question in controversy between the parties.
(2) On any appeal, the Court of Appeal may reverse or vary, in favour of a party seeking to support the judgment or order of the Court in whole or in part, any determinations made in the Court on questions of fact, notwithstanding that the appeal is on a point of law only, or any such determinations on points of law notwithstanding that the appeal is an appeal on a question of fact only.
(3) On any appeal, the Court of Appeal may receive further evidence in accordance with the provisions of the Rules of the High Court (Cap 4 sub. leg.). (Amended 103 of 1970 s. 7; 25 of 1998 s. 2)

(22 of 1962 s. 40 incorporated)

Section: 65 Procedure on appeal 25 of 1998 01/07/1997

Remarks:
Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 25 of 1998 s. 2

Subject to the provisions of this Ordinance, every appeal from the Court to the Court of Appeal shall be brought in such manner and shall be subject to such conditions as are prescribed by the Rules of the High Court (Cap 4 sub. leg.).

(22 of 1962 s. 41 incorporated. Amended 103 of 1970 s. 8; 25 of 1998 s. 2)

Section: 66 Stay of execution on appeal 30/06/1997
(1)
An application for a stay of execution on an appeal may be made at any time and shall, unless the Court of Appeal otherwise allows, be made in the first instance to a judge of the Court.
(2)
Without prejudice to the powers of the Court of Appeal, a judge, on any such application, may grant a stay of execution on such terms as to costs, payment of money into court, giving security for the prosecution of an appeal or otherwise as he shall think fit.

(22 of 1962 s. 42 incorporated)

Section: 66A Penalty for neglect of witness summons L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

Miscellaneous

(1) Any person summoned in manner prescribed as a witness in the Court who-

(a) refuses or neglects, without sufficient cause, to appear or to produce any documents required by the summons to be produced; or

(b)
refuses to be sworn or to give evidence, shall forfeit such fine, and serve such term of imprisonment not exceeding 2 years, as the judge may direct. (Amended 28 of 2000 s. 34)
(1A) The Court cannot punish, under subsection (1)(a), a person summoned as a witness unless he has been paid or has had tendered to him at the time of service of the summons a reasonable sum for expenses, including in prescribed cases, compensation for loss of time. (Added 28 of 2000 s. 34)
(2)
Any person present in court who is required to give evidence but refuses to be sworn or to give evidence shall be punishable as aforesaid.
(3)
A judge may at his discretion direct that the whole or any part of any fine paid under this section shall, after deducting the costs, be applicable towards indemnifying the party injured by the refusal or neglect without prejudice to the right of the party so injured to institute civil proceedings in respect of the injury.

(Added 59 of 1981 s. 4)

Section: 66B Witness expenses L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

In any proceedings in the Court, a judge or the Registrar may order the reimbursement of a witness for any expenses reasonably and properly incurred by the witness. (Added 28 of 2000 s. 35)

Section: 67 (Repealed 28 of 2000 s. 36) L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
Section: 68 Priority of Court of First Instance and court executions 25 of 1998 01/07/1997

Remarks:
Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 25 of 1998 s. 2

Cap 336 - DISTRICT COURT ORDINANCE

(1) Where writs have been issued from the Court of First Instance and from the Court or from the Court only, at the suit of different plaintiffs, against the goods of the same person, the right to the goods seized shall be determined by the priority of the time of delivery of the writ to the bailiff to be executed. (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)

(2) The bailiff shall endorse on every such writ the date and time of the same coming to his hands for

execution. (22 of 1962 s. 44 incorporated)

Section: 68A Effect of writs of execution against goods L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
(1) A writ of fieri facias or other writ of execution against goods issued from the Court binds the property in the goods of the execution debtor from the time when the writ to be executed is delivered to the bailiff.
(2) A writ of execution does not prejudice the title to any goods of the execution debtor acquired by a person in good faith and for valuable consideration unless the person had, at the time when he acquired his title, notice that the writ or any other writ under which the goods of the execution debtor might be seized or attached had been delivered to and remained unexecuted in the hands of the bailiff.
(3) The bailiff (without fee) on receipt of any writ of execution must endorse on its back the hour, day, month and year when he received it so that the time mentioned in subsection (1) can be determined.
(4) In this section and in section 68B-
(a) "property" (產權、財產) means the general property in goods, and not merely a special property;
(b) "bailiff" (執達主任) includes any officer charged with the enforcement of a writ of execution;
(c) any reference to the goods of the execution debtor is deemed a reference to property liable to attachment and sale in execution of a judgment;
(d) an act is treated as done in good faith if it is in fact done honestly, whether it is done negligently or not. (Added 28 of 2000 s. 37)
(1) The property of the judgment debtor is liable to attachment and sale in execution of a judgment other than
(a) shares in the capital or joint stock of any private company within the meaning of section 29 of the Companies Ordinance (Cap 32);
(b) subject to paragraph (c), the tools (if any) of the trade of the judgment debtor; and
(c) the necessary wearing apparel and bedding of the judgment debtor and his family dependent on and residing with him, to a value, inclusive of tools and apparel and bedding, not exceeding $10000.
(2) Subject to subsection (5), the purchaser of any goods that were seized from an execution debtor by the bailiff charged with the enforcement of a writ of execution and sold by the bailiff without any claim having been made to them acquires a good title to the goods.
(3) A person is not entitled to recover against the bailiff, or anyone lawfully acting under his authority for any sale of the goods or for paying over the proceeds prior to the receipt of a claim to the goods
(a) except as provided by section 46 of the Bankruptcy Ordinance (Cap 6); or
(b) unless it is proved that the person from whom recovery is sought had notice or might by making reasonable inquiry have ascertained that the goods were not the property of the execution debtor.
(4) This section does not affect the right of any claimant who may prove that at the time of sale he had title to any goods so seized and sold to any remedy to which he may be entitled against any person other than the bailiff or purchaser.
Section: 68B Sale of property in execution of judgment L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

(5) The Court may, subject to rules of court, set aside the sale of any immovable property in execution of a

judgment on the ground of material irregularity in the conduct of the sale. (Added 28 of 2000 s. 37)

Section: 69 Relief against forfeiture by action for non-payment of rent L.N. 130 of 2007 01/07/2007

Remarks: For the saving and transitional provisions relating to the amendments made by the Resolution of the Legislative Council (L.N. 130 of 2007), see paragraph (12) of that Resolution.

Cap 336 - DISTRICT COURT ORDINANCE

(1)
Subject to subsection (1A), this section has effect where a lessor is proceeding by action in the Court to enforce against a lessee a right of re-entry or forfeiture of any land for non-payment of rent. (Amended 32 of 2002 s. 40)
(1A) Where during the term of a lease the application of this section has prevented a lessor from enforcing against a lessee a right mentioned in subsection (1), then during that term this section shall not be applicable again to prevent the lessor from exercising that right against the lessee unless the Court is satisfied that there is good cause why this section should apply in favour of the lessee. (Added 32 of 2002 s. 40)
(2)
The action ceases if the lessee pays into court all the rent in arrear and the costs of the action within the time prescribed by rules of court for acknowledging service of the writ. The lessee holds the land according to the lease without any new lease.
(3)
The Court is to order that the lessor be given possession of the land on the expiry of a period, not being less than 7 days from the date of the order, as the Court thinks fit if the Court at the trial is satisfied that the lessor is entitled to enforce the right of re-entry or forfeiture. (Amended 32 of 2002 s. 40)
(3A) The Secretary for Development may, by notice published in the Gazette, amend the number of days specified in subsection (3) by substituting another number therefor. (Added 32 of 2002 s. 40. Amended L.N. 130 of 2007)
(4)
An order for possession lapses if the lessee pays into court all the rent in arrear and the sum the Court directs on account of the costs of the action before the date ordered for possession. The lessee holds the land according to the lease without any new lease.
(5)
The Court may extend the period specified in the order for possession at any time before possession of the land is recovered under the order. Subsection (7) does not affect the power of the Court under this subsection.
(6)
An action, order or writ for possession does not lapse on payment into court under this section if the lessor is proceeding in the same action-
(a)
to enforce a right of re-entry or forfeiture on any other ground as well as for non-payment of rent; or
(b)
to enforce any other claim as well as the right of re-entry or forfeiture and the claim for arrears of rent.
(7)
The order for possession may be enforced if the lessee does not within the period allowed under the order pay into court all the rent in arrear and the sum directed to be paid on account of the costs of the action. So long as the order remains unreversed the lessee is barred from all relief.
(8)
The Court is to suspend a writ for the possession of the land for the extended period if the Court extends the period under an order before possession can be taken after that period has expired. If, before the expiry of the extended period, the lessee pays into court all the rent in arrear and the sum directed to be paid on account of the costs of the action, the Court is to cancel the writ.

(9) This section does not affect-

(a)
the power of the Court to enter final judgment where the defendant fails to give notice of intention to defend;
(b)
the power of the Court to make any order which it would otherwise have power to make as respects a right of re-entry or forfeiture on any ground other than non-payment of rent; or
(c)
section 58(4) of the Conveyancing and Property Ordinance (Cap 219). (Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 38)

The service of the writ in the action in the prescribed manner in a case where section 69 has effect stands in lieu of a demand and re-entry, if-

(a)
one-half-year's rent is in arrear at the time of the commencement of the action;
(b)
the lessor has a right of re-entry for non-payment of that rent; and
(c)
insufficient distress has been found on the premises to secure the arrears then due. (Added 28 of 2000 s. 38)

(1) This section has effect where a lessor has enforced against a lessee, by re-entry without action, a right of reentry or forfeiture as respects any land for non-payment of rent, where the rateable value of the land, determined in accordance with the provisions of the Rating Ordinance (Cap 116), does not exceed $240000.

(2) The lessee may, at any time within 6 months from the date on which the lessor re-entered, apply to the Court for relief, and on any such application the Court may grant to the lessee such relief as the Court of First Instance could have granted.

(Added 28 of 2000 s. 38)

Section: 69C Interpretation and application of this section and sections 69, 69A and 69B L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
    1. (1) In this section and sections 69, 69A and 69B"lease" (租契) includes-
    2. (a) an original or derivative under-lease; and
    1. (b) an agreement for a lease where the lessee has become entitled to have his lease granted; "lessee" (承租人) includes
    2. (a) an original or derivative under-lessee; and
    1. (b) the persons deriving title under a lessee; "lessor" (出租人) includes
    2. (a) an original or derivative under-lessor; and
  1. (b) the persons deriving title under a lessor; "trial" (審訊) includes the hearing of an application for summary judgment; "under-lease" (分租租契) includes an agreement for an under-lease where the under-lessee has become entitled to

have his under-lease granted; "under-lessee" (承轉租人) includes any person deriving title under an under-lessee.

(2) Section 69 or 69B does not affect the provisions of the Government Rights (Re-entry and Vesting

Remedies) Ordinance (Cap 126). (Added 28 of 2000 s. 38)

Section: 70 Solicitors L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

A solicitor admitted to practise in the High Court is an officer of the Court and subject to its jurisdiction to the same extent as in the Court of First Instance. (Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 39)

Section: 71 Protection of judges 30/06/1997
(1) No action shall be brought against a judge for any act done by him in the execution of his duty until the act done by him has been quashed on appeal to the Court of Appeal or by the Court.
(2) No such action shall be brought in respect of any matter within the jurisdiction of the judge unless it is expressly alleged that such act was done maliciously and without reasonable and probable cause and the burden of proof that the act was so done shall rest with the plaintiff in such action.
(3) In any such action in respect of any matter over which by law the judge had no jurisdiction or in which he exceeded the jurisdiction conferred on him by this Ordinance or by any other enactment, it shall be a good defence that the act complained of was not done maliciously and without reasonable or probable cause and the burden of proof that the act was not so done shall rest with the judge.
(4) Save under and in accordance with this section no action shall lie in any civil court against a judge for any act done in a matter over which by law he had no jurisdiction or in which he exceeded the jurisdiction conferred on him by this Ordinance or by any other enactment.

(22 of 1962 s. 47 incorporated)

Section: 71A Registrar may apply for order L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

The Registrar may, in case of doubt or difficulty, apply summarily to the Court for an order for the direction and guidance of a bailiff, and the Court may make such order in the matter as may seem just and reasonable. (Added 28 of 2000 s. 40)

Section: 71B Protection of Registrar L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
(1) No action shall be brought against the Registrar for-
(a) any act done or omitted to be done by any bailiff without directions from the Registrar; or
(b) any direction given to any bailiff with regard to the execution or non-execution of process if
(i) such directions are in accordance with an order from the Court under section 71A; and
(ii) no material fact is wilfully misrepresented or suppressed by the Registrar.
(2) In this section, "Registrar" (司法常務官) includes a Master. (Added 28 of 2000 s. 40)
(1) The Rules Committee may make rules of court regulating and prescribing-
(a) the procedure, including the method of pleading in the Court;
(b) the practice to be followed in the Court;
(c) the procedure and practice to be followed in the Registry of the Court; and
(d) any matters incidental to the procedure or practice.
Section: 72 Rules of court L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009

(2) Without limiting the general nature of subsection (1), rules of court may be made for the following purposes-

(a) prescribing the procedure for the transfer of proceedings between the Court and the Court of First Instance, and between the Court and the Lands Tribunal; (Amended 3 of 2008 s. 46)
(b) prescribing the jurisdiction of the Court which the Registrar may exercise (including provision for appeal against decisions made in the exercise of the jurisdiction);
(c) regulating matters relating to the fees and costs of proceedings (including proceedings in connection with the administration of estates and trusts) in the Court and matters incidental to the proceedings;
(d) prescribing in what cases absent persons having an interest in a cause or matter are bound by any order made;
(e) regulating the execution of the process of the Court, including-
(i) prohibiting judgment debtors and persons against whom civil claims are made from leaving Hong Kong and ordering the payment of compensation to them in prescribed circumstances;
(ii) ordering judgment debtors or officers of corporate judgment debtors to appear for examination and their examination; and
(iii) the arrest and imprisonment of judgment debtors;
(f) providing that, in any case where a document filed in, or in the custody of, the Registry of the Court is required to be produced to any court or tribunal (including an umpire or arbitrator) sitting elsewhere than at the Court-
(i) it shall not be necessary for any officer, whether served with a subpoena in that behalf or not, to attend for the purpose of producing the document; but
(ii) the document may be produced to the court or tribunal by sending it to the court or tribunal, in the manner prescribed in the rule, together with a certificate, in the form so prescribed, to the effect that the document has been filed in, or is in the custody of, the Registry,

and any such certificate shall be prima facie evidence of the facts stated in it.

(3) The power to make rules of court under this section includes power to make rules as to proceedings by or against the Government.
(4) Rules of court made under this section apply to all proceedings by or against the Government insofar as they expressly purport so to do.

(5) In the exercise of his discretion, a judge may excuse a party from compliance with any rule. (Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 41)

Section: 72A Rules for commencing proceedings for estates of deceased persons 28 of 2000 19/05/2000

The Rules Committee may make rules of court for

(a) proceedings to be commenced against the estate of a deceased person where a grant of probate or
administration has not been made by the appointment of a person to represent the estate or otherwise;
(b) proceedings purporting to have been commenced by or against a dead person to be treated as having been commenced by or against his estate whether or not a grant of probate or administration was made before their commencement; and
(c) any proceedings commenced or treated as commenced in the Court by or against the estate of a deceased person to be maintained (whether by substitution of parties, amendment or otherwise) by or against, as the case may be, a person appointed to represent the estate or, if a grant of probate or administration is or has been made, by or against the personal representatives.

(Added 28 of 2000 s. 41)

(1) The Rules Committee may make rules of court for

(a) the means by which particular facts may be proved;
(b) the mode in which evidence of the facts may be given;
(c) the conditions subject to which oral expert evidence may be given.
(2) The Court may act on a certificate purporting to be a certificate of a registered medical practitioner in deciding for the purposes of any rules made under this section whether or not a person is fit to attend as a witness.
(3) Notwithstanding any enactment or rule of law under which documents prepared for the purpose of pending or contemplated civil proceedings or in connection with the obtaining or giving of legal advice are in certain circumstances privileged from disclosure, rules made under this section may
(a) enable the Court in civil proceedings to direct a party to disclose the expert evidence which he proposes to bring as part of his case at the trial to the other parties by the date specified in the direction (or a later date permitted or agreed under the rules); and
(b) prohibit a party who fails to comply with a direction under rules made under paragraph (a) from bringing in evidence under Part IV of the Evidence Ordinance (Cap 8) any expert report that deals with matters specified in the direction except with the leave of the Court.
(4) Without prejudice to the general nature of subsection (1)(c), rules made under that paragraph may prohibit a party who fails to comply with a direction given under rules made under subsection (3)(b) from bringing any oral expert evidence dealing with matters specified in the direction, except with the leave of the Court.
(5) A rule made under this section may make different provision
(a) for different classes of cases;
(b) for expert reports dealing with matters of different classes; and
(c) for other different circumstances.
(6) In this section references to an expert report are references to a written report by a person dealing wholly or

mainly with matters on which he is (or would if living be) qualified to give expert evidence. (Added 28 of 2000 s. 41)

(1) In this section-"prescribed securities" (訂明的保證物) means securities (including funds in court) of a kind prescribed by rules of court made under this section;

"stop notice" (停止通知書) means a notice requiring any person on whom it is served to refrain from taking any of the steps mentioned in subsection (4) in respect of any of the securities specified in the notice, without first notifying the person by whom, or on whose behalf, the notice was served;

"stop order" (停止令) means an order of the Court prohibiting the taking of any of the steps mentioned in subsection

(4) in respect of any of the securities specified in the order.
(2) The Rules Committee may make rules of court for
(a) the Court to make a stop order on the application of a person claiming to be entitled to an interest in prescribed securities; and
(b) the service of a stop notice by a person claiming to be entitled to an interest in prescribed securities.
(3) Rules of court made under this section are to prescribe the person on whom a copy of a stop order or stop

notice is to be served.

(4) The steps mentioned in subsection (1) are-
(a) the registration of a transfer of the securities;
(b) for funds in court, the transfer, delivery out, payment or other dealings with the funds, or of the income on the funds;
(c) the payment of a dividend, interest or otherwise for the securities; and
(d) for a unit trust, an acquisition of or other dealings with the units by a person or body exercising functions under the trust.
(5) Rules made under this section may include incidental, supplementary and consequential provisions that the

Rules Committee considers expedient, and may make different provision for different cases or classes of cases. (Added 28 of 2000 s. 41)

Section: 72CA Rules as to costs and interest L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009
(1) Notwithstanding sections 50 and 53, the Rules Committee may make rules of court for enabling the Registrar, in such circumstances as may be specified in the rules, to
(a) disallow all or part of any costs to be taxed pursuant to a costs order made by the Court;
(b) disallow all or part of any interest otherwise payable under section 50 on taxed costs, or reduce the period for which such interest is payable or the rate prescribed in section 50 at which such interest is payable; and
(c) increase the rate prescribed in section 50 at which interest on taxed costs or costs of taxation is payable.
(2) Rules made under this section may include incidental, supplementary and consequential provisions that the Rules Committee considers expedient.
(3) In this section, Registrar (司法常務官) includes a Master. (Added 3 of 2008 s. 34)
(1) The Rules Committee may make rules of court for the circumstances in which the Court may order a party to pending proceedings to make an interim payment of the amount specified in the order, either by payment into court or (if the order provides) by paying it to another party to the proceedings.
(2) The rules made under subsection (1) may enable a party to proceedings who has made an interim payment under an order to recover the whole or part of the amount of the payment in the circumstances, and from the party to the proceedings, determined under the rules.
(3) Rules made under this section may include incidental, supplementary and consequential provisions that the Rules Committee considers expedient.
(4) This section does not affect the exercise of any power relating to costs, including any power to make rules of court relating to costs.
(5) In this section, "interim payment" (中期付款) means a payment on account of any damages, debt or other sum (excluding any costs) which a party may be held liable to pay to or for the benefit of another party to the proceedings if a final judgment or order of the Court in the proceedings is given or made in favour of that other party.
Section: 72D Orders for interim payment 28 of 2000 19/05/2000

(6) This section binds the Government so far as any proceedings to which this section is applicable can be

brought by or against the Government in accordance with the Crown Proceedings Ordinance (Cap 300). (Added 28 of 2000 s. 41)

Section: 72E Orders for provisional damages for personal injuries 28 of 2000 19/05/2000
(1) This section applies to proceedings in an action in which a claim for personal injuries is made in which there is proved or admitted to be a chance that in the future the injured person will develop some serious disease or suffer some serious deterioration in his physical or mental condition as a result of the act or omission which gave rise to the cause of action.
(2) The Rules Committee may make rules enabling the Court in giving judgment in a case to which this section applies to award the injured person-
(a)
damages assessed on the assumption that the injured person will not develop the disease or suffer the deterioration in his condition; and
(b)
further damages at a future date if he develops the disease or suffers the deterioration.
(3)
Rules made under this section may include incidental, supplementary and consequential provisions that the Rules Committee considers expedient, and may provide for the injured person to elect whether or not to accept an award of damages assessed under the rules.

Cap 336 - DISTRICT COURT ORDINANCE

(4) This section does not

(a)
affect the exercise of any power relating to costs, including any power to make rules of court relating to costs; or
(b)
prejudice any duty of the Court under any enactment or rule of law to reduce or limit the total damages

which would have been recoverable apart from the duty. (Added 28 of 2000 s. 41)

Section: 73 Suitors' Funds Rules 10 of 2005 08/07/2005
(1)
The Chief Judge may make rules for regulating- (Amended 10 of 2005 s. 18)
(a)
the deposit, payment, delivery, and transfer in, into, and out of the Court of money, securities, and movable property of suitors;
(b)
the evidence of such deposit, payment, delivery, or transfer, and the investment of and other dealings with money, securities, and movable property in court;
(c)
the execution of the orders of the Court; and
(d)
the powers and duties of the Registrar with reference to such money, securities, and movable property.
(2)
Without prejudice to the general nature of subsection (1), rules made under this section may provide for
(a)
regulating the placing on and withdrawal from deposit of money in court, and the payment or crediting of interest on money placed on deposit;
(b)
determining the smallest amount of money on deposit on which interest is to be credited to an account to which money placed on deposit belongs;
(c)
determining the time at which money placed on deposit is to begin and to cease to bear interest and the mode of computing such interest;
(d)
determining the cases in which money placed on deposit is to begin and to cease to bear interest and the mode of computing such interest;
(e)
determining the cases in which interest on money placed on deposit and the dividends on any securities standing in the name of the Registrar is or are to be placed on deposit; and
(f)
disposing of money, other than the balance of an intestate estate, remaining unclaimed in court or money remaining unclaimed in the Bankruptcy Estate Account established under section 128 of the Bankruptcy Ordinance (Cap 6).

(Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 41)

Section: 73A Amendments of limits of jurisdiction and other amounts L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

The amounts mentioned in sections 32, 33, 35, 36, 37, 49, 52, 68B and 69B may be amended by resolution of the Legislative Council. (Replaced 28 of 2000 s. 42)

Section: 73B Rules in relation to jurisdiction under Sex Discrimination Ordinance 25 of 1998 01/07/1997

Remarks:
Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 25 of 1998 s. 2

(1)
The Rules Committee may make rules regulating the practice of the Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (Cap 480) and the forms of proceedings therein.
(2)
The power to make rules under subsection (1) shall extend to all matters of procedure or practice or matters relating to or concerning the effect or operation in law of any procedure or practice in any case within the cognizance of the Court as to which rules of the High Court have been or might be made for cases within the cognizance of the

High Court and shall include power to make rules- (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)

(a)
as to proceedings by or against the Government; (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)
(b)
as to the persons who may appear in, conduct, defend and address the Court in, any proceedings therein;
(c)
to make special provision for any proceedings in the Court where regulations made under section 89 of the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (Cap 480) apply to the proceedings.
(3)
Each party to any proceedings in the Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (Cap 480) shall bear its own costs unless the Court otherwise orders on the ground that-
(a)
the proceedings were brought maliciously or frivolously; or
(b)
there are special circumstances which warrant an award of costs.
(4)
Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of subsections (1) and (2), the power to make rules under this section shall extend to
(a)
prescribing the place or places which shall be the venue or venues for proceedings to which this section relates;
(b)
requiring the judge or judges sitting at such venue or venues to give priority, to such extent as may be specified in the rules, to hearing and disposing of proceedings to which this section relates;
(c)
empowering any such judge, at any stage of any proceedings, of his own motion, to order that any claim which is-
(i)
beyond the jurisdiction of the Court; and
(ii)
within the jurisdiction of the tribunal within the meaning of the Labour Tribunal Ordinance (Cap

25),
be transferred to that tribunal.

(5)
The Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (Cap 480) shall not be bound by the rules of evidence and may inform itself on any matter in such manner as it sees fit, with due regard to the rights of the parties to proceedings therein to a fair hearing, the need to determine the substantial merits of the case and the need to achieve a prompt hearing of the matters at issue between the parties.
(6)
Subject to subsection (5), any rule made in accordance with the provisions of this section may be made so as to modify, with respect to proceedings in the Court, any rule of law or practice as to the proof of any matter or as to the reception or admissibility of any matter in evidence.
(7)
No rule made in accordance with the provisions of this section shall apply to any proceedings by or against the Government except in so far as it expressly purports so to do. (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)

(8) It is hereby declared that

(a)
subject to paragraph (c), this section shall not of itself operate to prevent-
(i)
the making of any rules-
(A)
under the provisions of any other section of this Ordinance; and
(B)
which relate, whether in whole or in part, to the jurisdiction conferred on the Court by virtue of the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (Cap 480);
(ii)
any rules made under the provisions of any other section of this Ordinance from applying to and in relation to such jurisdiction;
(b)
where there is any conflict or inconsistency between-
(i)
any rules made under subsection (2)(b); and
(ii)
any law and practice regulating the description of persons who may appear in, conduct, defend

and address the Court, in any proceedings therein, then those rules shall, to the extent of that conflict or inconsistency, as the case may be, prevail over that law and practice;

(c) where there is any conflict or inconsistency between any rules made under the provisions of this section and any rules made under the provisions of another section of this Ordinance, then those first-mentioned rules shall, to the extent of that conflict or inconsistency, as the case may be, prevail over those second-mentioned rules.

(9) For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby declared that no rule made in accordance with this section shall

empower the Court to hear and determine any proceedings involving any claim beyond its jurisdiction. (Added 67 of 1995 s. 91)

Remarks:
Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 25 of 1998 s. 2

(1)
The Rules Committee may make rules regulating the practice of the Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction under the Disability Discrimination Ordinance (Cap 487) and the forms of proceedings therein.
(2)
The power to make rules under subsection (1) shall extend to all matters of procedure or practice or matters relating to or concerning the effect or operation in law of any procedure or practice in any case within the cognizance of the Court as to which rules of the High Court have been or might be made for cases within the cognizance of the High Court and shall include power to make rules- (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)
(a)
as to proceedings by or against the Government; (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)
(b)
as to the persons who may appear in, conduct, defend and address the Court in, any proceedings therein;
(c)
to make special provision for any proceedings in the Court where regulations made under section 86 of the Disability Discrimination Ordinance (Cap 487) apply to the proceedings.
(3)
Each party to any proceedings in the Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction under the Disability Discrimination Ordinance (Cap 487) shall bear its own costs unless the Court otherwise orders on the ground that-
(a)
the proceedings were brought maliciously or frivolously; or
(b)
there are special circumstances which warrant an award of costs.
(4)
Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of subsections (1) and (2), the power to make rules under this section shall extend to
(a)
prescribing the place or places which shall be the venue or venues for proceedings to which this section relates;
(b)
requiring the judge or judges sitting at such venue or venues to give priority, to such extent as may be specified in the rules, to hearing and disposing of proceedings to which this section relates;
(c)
empowering any such judge, at any stage of any proceedings, of his own motion, to order that any claim which is-
(i)
beyond the jurisdiction of the Court; and
(ii)
within the jurisdiction of the tribunal within the meaning of the Labour Tribunal Ordinance (Cap

25),
be transferred to that tribunal.

(5)
The Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction under the Disability Discrimination Ordinance (Cap 487) shall not be bound by the rules of evidence and may inform itself on any matter in such manner as it sees fit, with due regard to the rights of the parties to proceedings therein to a fair hearing, the need to determine the substantial merits of the case and the need to achieve a prompt hearing of the matters at issue between the parties.
(6)
Subject to subsection (5), any rule made in accordance with the provisions of this section may be made so as to modify, with respect to proceedings in the Court, any rule of law or practice as to the proof of any matter or as to the reception or admissibility of any matter in evidence.
(7)
No rule made in accordance with the provisions of this section shall apply to any proceedings by or against the Government except in so far as it expressly purports so to do. (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)

(8) It is hereby declared that

(a)
subject to paragraph (c), this section shall not of itself operate to prevent-
(i)
the making of any rules-
(A)
under the provisions of any other section of this Ordinance; and
(B)
which relate, whether in whole or in part, to the jurisdiction conferred on the Court by virtue of the Disability Discrimination Ordinance (Cap 487);
(ii)
any rules made under the provisions of any other section of this Ordinance from applying to and in relation to such jurisdiction;
(b)
where there is any conflict or inconsistency between-
(i)
any rules made under subsection (2)(b); and
(ii)
any law and practice regulating the description of persons who may appear in, conduct, defend

and address the Court, in any proceedings therein, then those rules shall, to the extent of that conflict or inconsistency, as the case may be, prevail over that law and practice;

(c) where there is any conflict or inconsistency between any rules made under the provisions of this section and any rules made under the provisions of another section of this Ordinance, then those first-mentioned rules shall, to the extent of that conflict or inconsistency, as the case may be, prevail over those second-mentioned rules.

(9) For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby declared that no rule made in accordance with this section shall

empower the Court to hear and determine any proceedings involving any claim beyond its jurisdiction. (Added 86 of 1995 s. 88)

Remarks:
Amendments retroactively made -see 25 of 1998 s. 2

(1)
The Rules Committee may make rules regulating the practice of the Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction under the Family Status Discrimination Ordinance (Cap 527) and the forms of proceedings therein.
(2)
The power to make rules under subsection (1) shall extend to all matters of procedure or practice or matters relating to or concerning the effect of operation in law of any procedure or practice in any case within the cognizance of the Court as to which rules of the High Court have been or might be made for cases within the cognizance of the High Court and shall include the power to make rules- (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)
(a)
as to proceedings by or against the Government; (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)
(b)
as to the persons who may appear in, conduct, defend and address the Court in, any proceedings therein;
(c)
to make special provision for any proceedings in the Court where regulations made under section 67 of the Family Status Discrimination Ordinance (Cap 527) apply to the proceedings.
(3)
Each party to any proceedings in the Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction under the Family Status Discrimination Ordinance (Cap 527) shall bear its own costs unless the Court otherwise orders on the ground that-
(a)
the proceedings were brought maliciously or frivolously; or
(b)
there are special circumstances which warrant an award of costs.
(4)
Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of subsections (1) and (2), the power to make rules under this section shall extend to
(a)
prescribing the place or places which shall be the venue or venues for proceedings to which this section relates;
(b)
requiring the judge or judges sitting at such venue or venues to give priority, to such extent as may be specified in the rules, to hearing and disposing of proceedings to which this section relates;
(c)
empowering any such judge at any stage of any proceedings, of his own motion, to order that any claim which is-
(i)
beyond the jurisdiction of the Court; and
(ii)
within the jurisdiction of the tribunal within the meaning of the Labour Tribunal Ordinance (Cap

25),
be transferred to that tribunal.

(5)
The Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction under the Family Status Discrimination Ordinance (Cap 527) shall not be bound by the rules of evidence and may inform itself of any matter in such manner as it sees fit, with due regard to the rights of the parties to the proceedings therein to a fair hearing, the need to determine the substantial merits of the case and the need to achieve a prompt hearing of the matters at issue between the parties.
(6)
Subject to subsection (5), any rules made in accordance with the provisions of this section may be made so as to modify, with respect to proceedings in the Court, any rule of law or practice as to the proof of any matter or as to the reception or admissibility of any matter in evidence.
(7)
No rule made in accordance with the provisions of this section shall apply to any proceedings by or against the Government except in so far as it expressly purports so to do. (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)

(8) It is hereby declared that

(a)
subject to paragraph (c), this section shall not of itself operate to prevent-
(i)
the making of any rules-
(A)
under the provisions of any other section of this Ordinance; and
(B)
which relate, whether in whole or in part, to the jurisdiction conferred on the Court by virtue of the Family Status Discrimination Ordinance (Cap 527);
(ii)
any rules made under the provisions of any other section of this Ordinance from applying to and in relation to such jurisdiction;
(b)
where there is any conflict or inconsistency between-
(i)
any rules made under subsection (2)(b); and
(ii)
any law and practice regulating the description of persons who may appear in, conduct, defend

and address the Court, in any proceedings therein, then those rules shall, to the extent of that conflict or inconsistency, as the case may be, prevail over that law and practice;

(c) where there is any conflict or inconsistency between any rules made under the provisions of this section and any rules made under the provisions of another section of this Ordinance, then those first-mentioned rules shall to the extent of that conflict or inconsistency, as the case may be, prevail over those second-mentioned rules.

(9) For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby declared that no rule made in accordance with this section shall

empower the Court to hear and determine any proceedings involving any claim beyond its jurisdiction. (Added 91 of 1997 s. 69)

(1)
The Rules Committee may make rules regulating the practice of the Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction under the Race Discrimination Ordinance (Cap 602) and the forms of proceedings therein.
(2) The power to make rules under subsection (1)
(a)
shall extend to-
(i)
all matters of procedure or practice; and
(ii)
matters relating to or concerning the effect or operation in law of any procedure or practice in any case within the cognizance of the Court as to which rules of the High Court have been or might be made for cases within the cognizance of the High Court; and
(b)
shall include the power to make rules
(i)
as to proceedings by or against the Government;
(ii)
as to the persons who may appear in, conduct, defend and address the Court in, any proceedings therein;
(iii) to make special provision for any proceedings in the Court where regulations made under section 83 of the Race Discrimination Ordinance (Cap 602) apply to the proceedings.
(3)
Each party to any proceedings in the Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction under the Race Discrimination Ordinance (Cap 602) shall bear its own costs unless the Court otherwise orders on the ground that-
(a)
the proceedings were brought maliciously or frivolously; or
(b)
there are special circumstances which warrant an award of costs.
(4)
Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of subsections (1) and (2), the power to make rules under this section shall extend to
(a)
prescribing the place or places which shall be the venue or venues for proceedings to which this section relates;
(b)
requiring the judge or judges sitting at such venue or venues to give priority, to such extent as may be specified in the rules, to hearing and disposing of proceedings to which this section relates;
(c)
empowering any such judge at any stage of any proceedings, of his or her own motion, to order that any claim be transferred to the tribunal within the meaning of the Labour Tribunal Ordinance (Cap 25) where the claim is
(i)
beyond the jurisdiction of the Court; and
(ii)
within the jurisdiction of that tribunal.
(5) The Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction under the Race Discrimination Ordinance (Cap 602)-
(a)
shall not be bound by the rules of evidence; and
(b)
may inform itself of any matter in such manner as it sees fit, with due regard to-
(i)
the rights of the parties to the proceedings therein to a fair hearing;
(ii)
the need to determine the substantial merits of the case; and
(iii) the need to achieve a prompt hearing of the matters at issue between the parties.
(6)
Subject to subsection (5), any rules made in accordance with the provisions of this section may be made so as to modify, with respect to proceedings in the Court, any rule of law or practice as to the proof of any matter or as to the reception or admissibility of any matter in evidence.
(7)
No rule made in accordance with the provisions of this section shall apply to any proceedings by or against the Government except in so far as it expressly purports so to do.

(8) It is hereby declared that

(a)
subject to paragraph (c), this section-
(i)
shall not of itself operate to prevent the making of any rules-
(A)
under the provisions of any other section of this Ordinance; and
(B)
which relate, whether in whole or in part, to the jurisdiction conferred on the Court by virtue of the Race Discrimination Ordinance (Cap 602); and
(ii)
shall not of itself operate to prevent any rules made under the provisions of any other section of this Ordinance from applying to and in relation to such jurisdiction;
(b)
where there is any conflict or inconsistency between-
(i)
any rules made under subsection (2)(b); and
(ii)
any rule of law and practice regulating the description of persons who may appear in, conduct,

defend and address the Court in, any proceedings therein, then those rules shall, to the extent of that conflict or inconsistency, as the case may be, prevail over that rule of law and practice;

(c) where there is any conflict or inconsistency between any rules made under the provisions of this section and any rules made under the provisions of another section of this Ordinance, then those first-mentioned rules shall to the extent of that conflict or inconsistency, as the case may be, prevail over those second-mentioned rules.

(9) For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby declared that no rule made in accordance with this section shall

empower the Court to hear and determine any proceedings involving any claim beyond its jurisdiction. (Added 29 of 2008 s. 88)

PART V

CRIMINAL JURISDICTION

The Court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance all such charges as the Secretary for Justice may lawfully prefer under the provisions of section 75 and any such offences as it may deal with pursuant to section 41 of the Labour Tribunal Ordinance (Cap 25).

(1 of 1953 s. 24 incorporated. Amended 21 of 1962 s. 13; 16 of 1972 s. 48; L.N. 362 of 1997)

Remarks:
Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 25 of 1998 s. 2

(1) Where a charge or complaint has been transferred to the Court by a magistrate in accordance with the provisions of Part IV of the Magistrates Ordinance (Cap 227), the Court shall have jurisdiction and powers over all proceedings in relation to the offence therein alleged similar to the jurisdiction and powers the Court of First Instance would have had if the accused person had been committed to that court for trial on indictment, save that nothing in this section shall be deemed to give jurisdiction to hear and determine such charge or complaint. (Amended 21 of 1962 s. 13; 16 of 1970 Schedule)

(1A) Where any proceedings on indictment are transferred to the Court under section 65F of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance (Cap 221), the Court shall have jurisdiction and powers over all proceedings in relation to the offence alleged in the indictment similar to the jurisdiction and powers the Court of First Instance would have had if the proceedings had not been so transferred save that nothing in this section shall be deemed to give jurisdiction to hear and determine such indictment. (Added 59 of 1992 s.10)

(2) Where a charge or complaint or proceedings on indictment has or have been transferred under subsection

(1)
or (1A), the Secretary for Justice shall, unless he enters a nolle prosequi, deliver to the Registrar a charge sheet setting forth the charge or charges preferred against the accused person, and any such charge may allege the commission of any indictable offence not included in any of the categories specified in Part III of the Second Schedule to the Magistrates Ordinance (Cap 227) and any offence triable summarily only, whether or not the offence was included in the order transferring the charge or complaint or proceedings on indictment, as the case may be, to the Court. (Amended 16 of 1970 Schedule; 25 of 1972 s. 3; 59 of 1992 s.10; L.N. 362 of 1997)
(3) A charge sheet referred to in subsection (2) shall be delivered, in the case of a transfer of- (a) a charge or complaint, within 14 days; and
(b)
proceedings on indictment, within 21 days, after the date of the order of transfer or such other period as the Court may, in any particular case, allow on any application made on behalf of the Secretary for Justice. (Replaced 59 of 1992 s. 10. Amended L.N. 362 of 1997)
(4)
Where in any proceedings on indictment transferred under section 65F of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance (Cap 221), a charge sheet is not delivered within the period specified in subsection (3)(b) or within such extended period allowed under subsection (3)
(a)
on the date appointed under section 65F(5) of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance (Cap 221) for the accused person to appear or be brought before the Court or where that date is adjourned, on such later date, the Court shall, on its own motion; or
(b)
where, before the appointed date referred to in paragraph (a) or if that date is adjourned, before such later date, the accused person applies to a judge for his discharge on the ground that a charge sheet has not been delivered as required under subsection (3), the judge shall,

direct that the accused person be discharged in respect of the charges to which the transferred proceedings relate. (Added 59 of 1992 s. 10)

(5) A discharge under subsection (4) shall be deemed to be an acquittal. (Added 59 of 1992 s. 10) (1 of 1953 s. 25 incorporated. Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)

(1)
In any criminal proceedings in the Court to hear and determine a charge or complaint which has been transferred in accordance with the provisions of Part IV of the Magistrates Ordinance (Cap 227) or section 65F of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance (Cap 221), the accused person shall not without the leave of the Court adduce evidence in support of an alibi unless, before the end of the prescribed period, he gives notice of particulars of the alibi. (Amended 59 of 1992 s. 11)
(2)
Without prejudice to subsection (1), in any such proceedings the accused person shall not without the leave of the Court call any other person to give evidence in support of an alibi unless-
(a)
the notice under subsection (1) includes the name and address of the witness or, if the name and address is not known to the accused person at the time he gives the notice, any information in his possession which might be of material assistance in finding the witness;
(b)
if the name or the address is not included in that notice, the Court is satisfied that the accused person, before giving the notice, took and thereafter continued to take all reasonable steps to secure that the name or address would be ascertained;
(c)
if the name or the address is not included in that notice, but the accused person subsequently discovers the name or address or receives other information which might be of material assistance in finding the witness, he forthwith gives notice of the name, address or other information, as the case may be;
(d)
if the accused person is notified by or on behalf of the prosecutor that the witness has not been traced by the name or at the address given, he forthwith gives notice of any such information which is then in his possession or, on subsequently receiving any such information, forthwith gives notice of it.
(3)
The Court shall not refuse leave under this section if it appears to the Court that the accused person was not informed in accordance with the provisions of section 90 of the Magistrates Ordinance (Cap 227) or section 65F of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance (Cap 221) of the requirements of this section. (Amended 59 of 1992 s. 11)
(4)
Any evidence tendered to disprove an alibi may, subject to any directions by the Court as to the time it is to be given, be given before or after evidence is given in support of the alibi.
(5)
Any notice purporting to be given under this section on behalf of the accused person by his solicitor shall, unless the contrary is proved, be deemed to be given with the authority of the accused person.
(6) A notice under subsection (1) shall either be given in court upon the making of an order of transfer under section 88 of the Magistrates Ordinance (Cap 227) or section 65F of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance (Cap 221), or be given in writing to the prosecutor, and a notice under subsection (2)(c) or (d) shall be given in writing to the prosecutor. (Amended 59 of 1992 s. 11)
(7) A notice required by this section to be given to the prosecutor may be given by delivering it to the Secretary for Justice or by leaving it at the Secretary for Justice's office, or by sending it by registered post addressed to the Secretary for Justice at his office. (Amended L.N. 362 of 1997)

(8) In this section-

"evidence in support of an alibi" (證明不在犯罪現場的證據) means evidence tending to show that by reason of the presence of the accused person at a particular place or in a particular area at a particular time he was not, or was unlikely to have been, at the place where the offence is alleged to have been committed at the time of its alleged commission;

"the prescribed period" (訂明期間) means the period expiring not less than 10 days prior to the commencement of the trial.

(9) In computing the prescribed period there shall be disregarded any day which is a general holiday under the

General Holidays Ordinance (Cap 149). (Amended 35 of 1998 s. 5) (Added 6 of 1990 s. 10)

Remarks:
Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 25 of 1998 s. 2

(1) Where a charge or complaint has been transferred as aforesaid, the Secretary for Justice may, at any time before judgment, enter a nolle prosequi by informing the Court orally or in writing that the Government intends that the proceedings shall not continue, and thereupon the accused person shall be discharged in respect of the charge for which the nolle prosequi is entered: (Amended 21 of 1962 s. 13; L.N. 362 of 1997; 25 of 1998 s. 2)
Provided that such discharge shall not operate as a bar to any subsequent proceedings against him on account of the same facts.
(2) Upon the entry of a nolle prosequi under this section, if the accused person has been committed to prison he shall be released, or if on bail all recognizances in respect of his person shall be discharged, and, where the accused person is not before the Court when such nolle prosequi is entered, the Registrar or other proper officer of the Court shall forthwith cause notice in writing of the entry of such nolle prosequi to be given to the officer in charge of the prison or other place in which the accused person may be detained, and such notice shall be sufficient authority to discharge the accused person or, if the accused be not in custody, shall forthwith cause such notice in writing to be given to the accused person and his sureties. (Amended 21 of 1962 s. 13)
(1 of 1953 s. 26 incorporated)
(1) Every charge sheet shall be signed by a legal officer as defined in the Legal Officers Ordinance (Cap 87) and shall bear date on the day on which it is so signed. (Replaced 24 of 1976 s. 2. Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2; 25 of 2008 s. 8)
(2) A charge sheet shall be in the form in the First Schedule with such additions and modifications as may be necessary to adapt it to the circumstances of the particular case.
(3) Subject to the provisions of this Ordinance, a charge sheet shall not be open to objection in respect to its form or contents, if it is framed in such manner as may be prescribed:
Provided that the Court may direct that further and better particulars of any charge shall be delivered. (Amended 21 of 1962 s. 14)
(4) Every charge sheet, when so signed and dated as aforesaid, shall be delivered to the Registrar and shall be filed by him in the Court, and a copy thereof shall be served on the accused person in the manner hereinafter provided.
(5) Nothing in this section or in section 79 or 87 or in any rules made under section 87 shall affect the law or practice relating to the jurisdiction of the Court nor prejudice or diminish in any respect the obligation to establish by

evidence according to law any act, omission or intention which is legally necessary to constitute the offence with which the person accused is charged, nor otherwise affect the law of evidence in criminal cases. (Amended 21 of 1962 s. 14)

(1 of 1953 s. 27 incorporated)

Remarks:
Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 25 of 1998 s. 2

(1)
In any proceedings before the Court where a charge sheet has been delivered under section 75(3)(a) against an accused person, before an opening speech is made by or on behalf of the prosecution or, where no such speech is made, before the first witness is called to give evidence on behalf of the prosecution, the Secretary for Justice may apply to the Court for an order that the proceedings be transferred to the Court of First Instance or before a magistrate to be dealt with summarily. (Amended L.N. 362 of 1997; 25 of 1998 s. 2)
(2)
Any application under subsection (1) shall be made to a judge by way of motion, notice of which shall be supported by an affidavit showing the grounds on which the application is made.
(3)
A copy of the notice of motion and the affidavit shall be served on the accused person not less than 21 days before the date named in the notice for hearing the motion, unless the judge gives leave to the contrary.
(4)
On an application being made under subsection (1), the judge may, subject to subsection (5), and if he considers it fit having regard to the interests of justice, make an order allowing the application (in this section and section 77B referred to as an "order of transfer") or refuse the application and in either case may make such order as to costs as he considers appropriate.
(5)
Upon making an order of transfer of proceedings to the Court of First Instance, the judge shall inform the accused person that he may elect to have the charge or charges to which the order relates heard at a preliminary inquiry before a magistrate and that if he does not so elect the proceedings shall be transferred for trial to the Court of First Instance without an inquiry; and the accused shall thereupon be asked whether or not he elects to have the charge or charges against him heard at a preliminary inquiry and he may make such an election. (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)
(6)
Where the accused does not elect to have the charge or charges heard at a preliminary inquiry the proceedings shall stand transferred to the Court of First Instance for trial. (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)
(7)
Where the accused person elects under subsection (5) to have a preliminary inquiry or where an order is made for transfer of proceedings to be dealt with summarily by a magistrate, the judge shall appoint a date on which the accused person shall appear before a magistrate.
(8)
Where under this section proceedings stand transferred to be dealt with summarily, the date appointed under subsection (7) shall not be earlier than 21 days from the date of the order of transfer.
(9)
Where an application is made under subsection (1), the entire proceedings before the Court shall be stayed until the application is disposed of unless the judge otherwise orders in respect of any matter.
(10)
At the time of making an order of transfer, the judge may remand the accused person in custody or on bail as he may consider appropriate.
(11)
Unless the judge otherwise orders in respect of any matter, an order of transfer shall operate to terminate the proceedings before the Court.
(12)
An order of transfer shall not be subject to appeal.
(13)
Where apart from this subsection the Court does not have jurisdiction to hear and determine an application

made under subsection (1), this subsection shall confer such jurisdiction. (Added 59 of 1992 s. 12)

Remarks:
Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 25 of 1998 s. 2

(1)
Within 21 days after an order of transfer is made, a sealed copy of the order of transfer shall be delivered by the Registrar
(a)
if the proceedings are transferred for preliminary inquiry or to be dealt with by a magistrate, to the first
clerk of the magistracy at which the accused person is required to appear; or
(b)
if the proceedings are transferred to the Court of First Instance, to the Registrar of the High Court.
(2)
If, when making an order of transfer, the judge commits an accused person to custody, the judge shall inform the accused person of his right to apply to a judge of the Court of First Instance for bail.
(3) On making an order of transfer of proceedings to the Court of First Instance, the judge shall
(a)
inform the accused person, unless he is already in receipt of legal aid, of his right to apply for legal aid;
(b)
if the accused person elects to have the proceedings transferred directly, say to the accused person- "I must warn you that at your trial you may not be permitted to give evidence of an alibi or call witnesses in support of an alibi unless you have earlier given particulars of the alibi and of the witnesses. You may give those particulars now to this court or to the prosecutor not less than 10 days prior to the commencement of your trial.",
or words to that effect and if it appears to the judge that the accused person may not understand the meaning of the word "alibi", he shall explain it to him; and
(c)
inform the accused person that he has the right to apply to a judge of the Court of First Instance for discharge on the grounds that there is no prima facie case against him.
(4)
Where the judge has given the warning required by subsection (3)(b), the clerk of the Court shall give the accused person written notice of the provisions of section 65D of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance (Cap 221).
(5)
If the accused person is not present in court on the making of an order of transfer of proceedings to the Court of First Instance the clerk of the Court shall forward to the accused person by registered post notice, in the English and Chinese languages, of the information and warning set out in subsection (3), together with written notice of the provisions of section 65D of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance (Cap 221). (Added 13 of 1995 s. 50)

(6) The written notices required by subsection (5) shall be sent to the accused person not less than 28 days

before the date set for trial. (Added 13 of 1995 s. 50) (Added 59 of 1992 s. 12. Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)

Section: 77C Application may be made in a multi-defendant or multi-charge situation 30/06/1997
(1)
An application for an order under section 77A(1) may be made in relation to one or more accused persons or one or more charges or complaints in any proceedings.
(2)
Any reference to proceedings in sections 75, 77A (other than in subsection (9) thereof) and 77B shall be construed as being a reference to proceedings as respects the accused person to whom the order referred to in subsection (1) relates or, when appropriate, the charge or complaint to which it relates.

(Added 59 of 1992 s. 12)

Section: 78 Limitation on prosecutions 30/06/1997

Where by any enactment there is imposed a limit of time within which a prosecution for any offence may be commenced, such limit shall apply in the case of a prosecution for such offence in the Court. (1 of 1953 s. 28 incorporated. Amended 21 of 1962 s. 13; 16 of 1970 Schedule)

Section: 79 Procedure and practice of the Court in its criminal jurisdiction 25 of 1998 01/07/1997

Remarks:
Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 25 of 1998 s. 2

(1)
Subject to the provisions of this Ordinance and as may be prescribed, the procedure and practice for the time being in force in the Court of First Instance in relation to criminal proceedings therein shall, so far as the same may be applicable, be followed as nearly as may be in criminal proceedings in the Court; and where it is necessary for the purpose of rendering such procedure and practice conveniently applicable, "indictment" and "count" shall be understood to refer to "charge sheet" and "charge" respectively. (Amended 21 of 1962 s. 15; 25 of 1998 s. 2)
(2)
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1), none of the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance (Cap 221) in Part I of the Second Schedule particularized shall be applied to proceedings in the Court. (Amended 21 of 1962 s. 15)

(3) The special provisions contained in Part II of the Second Schedule touching the procedure and practice of the Court in the exercise of its criminal jurisdiction shall be applied to criminal proceedings in the Court where the circumstances of such proceedings require their application. (Amended 21 of 1962 s. 15)

(4) Where any provision of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance (Cap 221) is applicable to criminal proceedings in the Court, such provision shall be read with such verbal alterations and modifications not affecting its substance as are necessary to render it conveniently applicable; and in particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the aforesaid, any such provision relating to a "jury" or a "verdict of a jury" shall be understood to refer to a judge and the functions of a judge as a judge of fact. (Amended 21 of 1962 s. 15; 63 of 1971 s. 13)
(5) Nothing in this section shall be taken to authorize-
(a) the institution of any criminal proceedings in the Court save in accordance with the express provisions of this Part; or (Amended 21 of 1962 s. 15)
(b) trial by jury in any criminal proceedings instituted under the provisions of this Part. (1 of 1953 s. 29 incorporated)
(1) Where an accused person is a corporation, a plea in writing may be entered by its representative, and if either the corporation does not appear by a representative or, though it does so appear, fails to enter any plea, the Court shall order a plea of not guilty to be entered and the trial shall proceed as though the corporation had duly entered a plea of not guilty.
(2) In this section, "representative" (代表) means a person duly appointed by a corporation to represent it for the purpose of doing any act or thing which the representative of a corporation is by this section authorized to do, but a person shall not, by virtue only of being so appointed, be qualified to act on behalf of the corporation before any court
Section: 79A Plea by corporation 30/06/1997

for any other purpose. A representative for the purposes of this section need not be appointed under the seal of the corporation, and a statement in writing purporting to be signed by a managing director of the corporation, or by any person (by whatever name called) having, or being one of the persons having, the management of the affairs of the corporation, to the effect that the person named in the statement has been appointed as the representative of the corporation for the purposes of this section shall be admissible without further proof as prima facie evidence that the person has been so appointed.

(Added 24 of 1976 s. 3)

Section: 80 Verdict 30/06/1997

(1) The verdict and any sentence shall be delivered orally and be recorded in writing at the time of that delivery.

(2) The reasons for the verdict and any sentence-

(a) shall be delivered orally; and
(b) shall be reduced to writing within 21 days after the hearing or the trial,

and the reasons so reduced to writing shall be signed by the judge. (Replaced 1 of 1993 s. 5)

Section: 81 Court may take into consideration outstanding offences on application of accused and consent of prosecution 30/06/1997
(1) Where an accused person is convicted of an offence, the Court may, on the application of the person convicted and with the consent of the prosecution, in passing sentence on such person take into consideration any other offence of a similar nature which the convicted person admits having committed and which he desires the Court to deal with.
(2) Under subsection (1) the Court may take into consideration any indictable offence not included in any of the categories specified in Part III of the Second Schedule to the Magistrates Ordinance (Cap 227) and, notwithstanding the provisions of this or any other Ordinance, any offence triable summarily only.

(Added 25 of 1972 s. 4)

Section: 82 Penalties 25 of 1998 01/07/1997

Remarks:
Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 25 of 1998 s. 2

(1)
Where the Court sentences any person to undergo a term of imprisonment for an offence, and such person is already undergoing, or is at the same time sentenced to undergo, imprisonment for another offence, it shall be lawful for the Court to direct that such imprisonment shall commence at any time during or at the expiration of the term of imprisonment which such person is then undergoing or has been so previously sentenced to undergo as aforesaid. (Amended 21 of 1962 s. 13; 6 of 1990 s. 11)
(2)
Notwithstanding the provisions of any enactment in force at the commencement of this Ordinance and notwithstanding that proceedings have not been taken by way of indictment, the Court may impose any penalty and make any order provided by law for or in connection with any offence of which it has cognizance: (Amended 21 of 1962 s. 13)

Provided that-

(a)
no sentence of imprisonment passed by the Court shall exceed 7 years in respect of one offence and where 2 or more consecutive terms of imprisonment are imposed by the Court under subsection (1), the aggregate of the said terms of imprisonment shall not exceed 7 years; and (Amended 21 of 1962 s. 13; 43 of 1973 s. 2)
(b)
any term of imprisonment imposed in default of payment of a fine shall not exceed 1 year. (Amended 25 of 1972 s. 5)

(3) Where the Court has authority to impose imprisonment for any offence, and has not authority to impose a

fine therefor, the Court may, if it thinks fit, impose a fine in lieu of imprisonment: (Amended 21 of 1962 s. 13) Provided that-

(a)
no term of imprisonment imposed in default of payment of a fine shall exceed the term to which the offender would be liable for the offence of which he stands convicted; and (Amended 25 of 1972 s. 5)
(b)
no such term of imprisonment shall in any event exceed 1 year.
(4)
The Court may, where it imposes a term of imprisonment on a person in default of payment of a fine, order that it shall not begin to run until the expiration of any other term of imprisonment to which that person has been sentenced, and for this purpose the Court may make a direction under subsection (1) notwithstanding that the aggregate of the terms of imprisonment exceeds the maximum period of 7 years which the Court has power to impose under proviso (a) to subsection (2). (Added 25 of 1972 s. 5. Amended 43 of 1973 s. 2)
(5)
Where by any enactment the Court of First Instance is empowered to impose any punishment upon, or to do any other act or thing in relation to, a person who has been convicted on indictment of an offence, the Court shall, subject to the provisions of this section, have like powers in relation to a person convicted of such offence under the provisions of this Part. (Amended 21 of 1962 s. 13; 25 of 1998 s. 2)

(1 of 1953 s. 31 incorporated)

Section: 83 Appeals 30/06/1997

Sections 80 to 83Y inclusive of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance (Cap 221) shall apply to criminal proceedings in the Court with such verbal alterations and modifications not affecting the substance thereof as may be necessary to render the same conveniently applicable, and, in particular, any reference to "indictment" shall be understood to refer to a charge sheet, and any reference to "jury" shall be understood to refer to a judge as a judge of fact.

(1 of 1953 s. 32 incorporated. Amended 21 of 1962 s. 17; 34 of 1972 s. 22)

Section: 84 Appeal by way of case stated L.N. 362 of 1997; 25 of 1998 01/07/1997

Remarks:
Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 25 of 1998 s. 2

An appeal shall lie at the suit of the Secretary for Justice to the Court of Appeal against a verdict or order of acquittal, which shall include any order quashing or dismissing a charge for any alleged defect therein or want of jurisdiction. Such an appeal shall relate to matters of law only and the following procedure shall apply thereto-

Cap 336 - DISTRICT COURT ORDINANCE

(Amended L.N. 362 of 1997)

(a)
within 7 clear days after the reasons for a verdict have been recorded or after the order of acquittal, or within such further period as a judge of the High Court may, whether before or after the expiration of such period, allow, an application may be made in writing to the judge to state a case setting forth the facts and the grounds on which the verdict or order was arrived at or made and the grounds on which the proceeding is questioned for the opinion of the Court of Appeal; and the provisions of sections 106 to 109 inclusive of the Magistrates Ordinance (Cap 227) shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the preparation, amendment and setting down of such case stated;
(b)
following such application a judge of the High Court may, on application being made to him in Chambers, issue a warrant addressed to police officers directing that the respondent be arrested and brought before him, and may commit the respondent to prison pending the disposal of the appeal or admit him to bail;
(c)
at the hearing of the appeal, whether or not the respondent appears, the Court of Appeal shall
(i)
if it is satisfied that there is no sufficient ground for interfering, dismiss the appeal; or
(ii)
reverse the verdict or order and direct that the trial be resumed or that the accused be retried as the case may be, or find him guilty, record a conviction and pass such sentence on him as might have been passed on him by a judge; and

(iii) give all such necessary and consequential directions as it shall think fit. (Added 31 of 1962 s. 2. Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)

Section: 85 Aiders and abettors 30/06/1997

Sections 89, 90 and 91 of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance (Cap 221) shall apply to proceedings in the Court with such verbal alterations and modifications not affecting the substance thereof as may be necessary to render the same conveniently applicable.

(Replaced 5 of 1971 s. 13)

Section: 86 Seizure of property 25 of 1998 01/07/1997

Remarks:
Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 25 of 1998 s. 2

The Court shall have all the powers conferred upon the Court of First Instance by sections 102 to 106 inclusive of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance (Cap 221). (1 of 1953 s. 34 incorporated. Amended 21 of 1962 s. 13; 25 of 1998 s. 2)

Section: 87 Criminal Procedure Rules 30/06/1997

The Rules Committee may make rules touching the procedure and practice of the Court in the exercise of its criminal jurisdiction and such rules may provide for- (Amended 21 of 1962 s. 18)

(a)
forms to be used in the Court, including in relation to charge sheets all such matters as may be prescribed in relation to indictments by rules made under section 9 of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance (Cap 221);
(b)
the times at or within which documents must be filed in the Court or notices delivered to or served on the Court or any person;
(c)
the functions in relation to criminal proceedings in the Court of the various officers of the Court;
(d)
the manner in which the right of audience shall be enjoyed and used, the order of addresses, and the form and practice of advocacy in the Court;
(e)
the assigning of counsel and solicitors for the defence of paupers, and the fees and costs to be allowed therefor; and
(f)
generally, the better carrying into effect of the provisions of this Part. (1 of 1953 s. 36 incorporated)
Section: 88 Saving of prerogative of mercy 25 of 1998 01/07/1997

Remarks:
Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 25 of 1998 s. 2

Nothing in this Ordinance shall affect any power vested in the Chief Executive to pardon offences or commute penalties. (1 of 1953 s. 37 incorporated. Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)

Section: 89 (Repealed 28 of 2000 s. 43) L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
Section: 90 (Repealed 28 of 2000 s. 44) L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
Schedule: 1 FORM OF CHARGE SHEET 25 of 2008 11/07/2008

Cap 336 - DISTRICT COURT ORDINANCE

[section 77]
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF HONG KONG
HOLDEN AT
HKSAR
against
B. A. B. The court is informed that the following charges are preferred against A. by the Secretary for Justice.
Statement of Offence.
Particulars of Offence.
Dated this day of .
(Signed) ............................................................... (Name and post title of the legal officer) for and on behalf of the Secretary for Justice.
And if there are more charges than one, then the various charges shall be set out as follows-
B. (Begin as above), that the following charges are preferred against A. by the Secretary for Justice.
First Charge.
Statement of Offence. Particulars of Offence.

Second Charge.

Statement of Offence. Particulars of Offence. etc. etc.

Dated this day of .

(Signed) ............................................................... (Name and post title of the legal officer) for and on behalf of the Secretary for Justice.

(Amended L.N. 362 of 1997; 25 of 1998 s. 2; 25 of 2008 s. 9)

[section 79(2)]

PART I

PROVISIONS OF THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ORDINANCE (CAP. 221) NOT
APPLICABLE TO THE PROCEDURE AND PRACTICE OF THE
DISTRICT COURT IN ITS CRIMINAL JURISDICTION

Criminal Procedure Ordinance (Cap 221), sections 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 27, 33, 41, 42, 49, 50, 52, 53, 68, 71, 77, 85, 86, 88, 115, 118, 119 and 120 and the First Schedule. (Amended 5 of 1971 s. 13; 25 of 1972 s. 7; 59 of 1981 s. 4)

PART II [section 79(3)]

SPECIAL PROVISIONS TOUCHING THE PROCEDURE AND PRACTICE OF
THE DISTRICT COURT IN ITS CRIMINAL JURISDICTION

1. Plea
(1)
The accused person shall be placed at the bar unfettered and not in prison clothes, unless the Court sees fit to direct otherwise.
(2)
The charge shall then be read over to him and explained, if necessary, and he shall be required to plead thereto in person, unless he objects to the want of due service of the charge sheet, and the Court finds that he has not been duly served therewith.

(Amended 5 of 1971 s. 13)

2. Charge sheet containing charge of previous conviction
(1)
Where a charge sheet contains a charge alleging that the accused person has been previously convicted, he shall not be called upon to answer that allegation save after he has been convicted upon a charge alleging a substantive offence.
(2)
Upon conviction of an accused person as aforesaid, the Court shall, unless the accused person admits the allegation that he has been previously convicted, proceed to determine whether or not he has been so previously convicted.
3. Objection of substance to charge
(1)
No objection to a charge shall be taken by way of demurrer, but if a charge does not state, in substance, an offence or states an offence not triable by the Court, the accused person may move the Court to quash it or in arrest of judgment.
(2) If such motion is made before the accused person pleads, the Court may dismiss the charge or amend it.
(3)
If a defect in a charge appears to the Court during the trial, and the Court does not then think fit to amend the charge it may either quash the charge or leave the objection to be taken thereafter in arrest of judgment.
(4)
If a charge is quashed under the provisions of this paragraph, the Court may direct the accused person to be detained in custody or to be released on bail for a period not exceeding 14 days thereafter, and may order him to plead to another charge if called on to do so within that same period.
 
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章: 336 區域法院條例 憲報編號 版本日期
詳題 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

本條例旨在設立具有有限民事及刑事司法管轄權並稱為區域法院的法院,並就其司法管轄權、程序及常規及前述相關事宜訂定條文。 (由1998年第25號第2條修訂;由2000年第28號第2條修訂)

[1953年2月18日] 1953年A28號政府公告

(本為1953年第1號,1962年第22號)

條: 1 簡稱 25 of 1998 01/07/1997

附註:

具追溯力的適應化修訂─見1998年第25號第2

第I部 導言 本條例可引稱為《區域法院條例》。 (由1998年第25號第2條修訂)

條: 2 釋義 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

在本條例中,除文意另有所指外─

“一方”(party)包括每一名就任何法律程序獲送達通知書或出席法律程序的人,即使其姓名或名稱並非列於有關紀錄之上;

“人身傷害”(personal injuries) 包括任何疾病或個人身體上或精神上的損傷; (由2000年第28號第3條增補)

“土地”(land)指任何類別的土地及其任何部分或分段,以及物業單位及建築物或建築物的部分(不論是以水平、垂直或任何其他方式劃分); (由1973年第14號第2條增補)

“司法常務官”(Registrar) 指根據第14條委任的區域法院司法常務官,並包括根據該條委任的副司法常務官及助理司法常務官; (由2000年第28號第3條增補)

“可繼承產”(hereditament) 包括有體及無體可繼承產; (由1962年第21號第2條增補)

“判定債務人”(judgment debtor) 指在已作出的判決中被判敗訴的人或根據任何法庭作出的命令而須繳付款項給另一人的人; (由2000年第28號第3條增補)

“判定債權人”(judgment creditor) 指在已作出的判決中獲判勝訴的人,而在任何法庭已作出命令規定判定債務人須繳付款項給另一人的情況下,“判定債權人”亦指該另一人; (由2000年第28號第3條增補)

“押記令”(charging order)指根據第52A(1)條作出以保證根據判決或命令須付的款項獲得繳付的命令; (由2000年第28號第3條增補)

“事宜”(matter) 包括每一項不在訟案內的區域法院法律程序; (由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

“法官”(judge) 指區域法院法官或區域法院暫委法官; (由1981年第79號第11條代替。由1998年第25號第2條修訂)

“原告人”(plaintiff) 包括所有以任何形式的法律程序(不論是藉訴訟、起訴、呈請、動議、傳票或其他形式的法律程序)針對任何其他人要求任何濟助的人(以被告人身分藉反申索要求濟助的人除外);

“被告人”(defendant) 包括獲送達任何傳訊令狀或法律程序文件的人,或就任何法律程序獲送達通知書的人,或有權出席任何法律程序的人;

“規則委員會”(Rules Committee) 指根據第17條設立的區域法院規則委員會; (由1962年第21號第2條增補。由1998年第25號第2條修訂)

“訟案”(cause) 指原告人與被告人之間的任何訴訟、起訴或其他原訴法律程序;

“區域法院”(Court) 指藉第3條設立的區域法院; (由1962年第21號第2條增補。由1998年第25號第2條修訂;由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

“區域法院暫委法官”(deputy District Judge) 指根據第7條委任的區域法院暫委法官; (由1981年第79號第11條代替。由1998年第25號第2條修訂)

“訴訟”(action) 指藉傳訊令狀或以訂明的方式展開的民事法律程序; (由1962年第21號第2條修訂)

“認可機構”(authorized institution) 指《銀行業條例》(第155章)第2條所指的認可機構; (由2000年第

28號第3條增補) “職能”(functions) 包括權力及職責。 (將1953年第1號第2條編入。由2000年第28號第3條修訂)

條: 3 區域法院的設立及其一般司法管轄權 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

第II部

地方法院

(1) 現設立一所稱為區域法院的法院。 (由2000年第28號第4條代替)

(2)區域法院為紀錄法院,具有本條例及當其時有效的任何其他成文法則賦予區域法院的民事及刑事司法管轄權及權力。 (由1962年第21號第3條修訂;由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

(3)當其時有效的任何其他成文法則所賦予的司法管轄權及權力只受該等成文法則所訂定的限

制所規限。 (由1963年第20號第3條增補) (將1953年第1號第3條編入)

條: 4 區域法院的組成 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
  1. (1) 區域法院由2名或多於2名法官組成,稱之為區域法院法官。 (由2000年第28號第48條修訂)
  2. (2) 區域法院法官須由行政長官以蓋有公印的文書委任。

(3)任何根據第(2)款的條文作出的委任,可在藉以作出該委任的文書的日期前的某一日期開始生效。 (由1958年第18號第2條增補。由1972年第20號第24條修訂;由2000年第28號第5條修訂)

(4)本條並不授權任何人在委任文書的日期之前或在《宣誓及聲明條例》(第11章)第17條的規定

獲遵守之前,履行任何司法職能。 (由2000年第28號第5條增補) (將1953年第1號第4條編入。由1998年第25號第2條修訂)

條: 5 區域法院法官的專業資格 10 of 2005 08/07/2005

(1)除下述的人外,任何人不得根據第4條獲委任為區域法院法官─ (由1998年第25號第2條修

訂)

(a)該人在香港或任何其他普通法適用地區的任何法院有資格執業為大律師、律師或訟辯人,而該法院是在民事或刑事方面具有無限司法管轄權的;及 (由1962年第21號第4條修訂;由1997年第14號第3條修訂;由2005年第10號第144條修訂)
(b)自具有如此的資格後,該人已在一段不少於5年的期間或在不同期間而合共不少於5年的期間是─

(i) 在該等法院之一執業為大律師、律師或訟辯人;或 (由2005年第10號第144條修訂)

(ia)按照《高等法院條例》(第4章)第37條委任的高等法院司法常務官、高等法院高級副司法常務官、高等法院副司法常務官或高等法院助理司法常務官;或 (由2005年第10號第144條增補)

(ib) 按照第14條委任的司法常務官、副司法常務官或助理司法常務官;或 (由2005年第10號第144條增補)

(ii)-(iv) (由1997年第14號第3條廢除)
(v) 按照《裁判官條例》(第227章)第5條委任的常任裁判官;或 (由2005年第10號第144條修訂) (va) 按照《死因裁判官條例》(第504章)第3條委任的死因裁判官;或 (由2005年第10號第144條增補) (vb)按照《小額錢債審裁處條例》(第338章)第4條委任的審裁官;或 (由2005年第10號第144條增補)
(vc)按照《勞資審裁處條例》(第25章)第4條委任的審裁官;或 (由2005年第10號第144條增補)
(vi) 《律政人員條例》(第87章)第2條所界定的律政人員;或
(vii) (由1993年第8號第26條廢除)
(viii) 按照《法律援助條例》(第91章)第3條委任的法律援助署署長、法律援助署副署長、法律援助署助理署長或法律援助主任;或 (由1976年第66號第2條增補。由1983年第24號第7條修訂;由1992年第39號第13條修訂;由2005年第10號第144條修訂)
(ix)按照《破產條例》(第6章)第75條委任的破產管理署署長、助理破產管理署署長(法律)、助理首席律師、高級律師或律師;或 (由1992年第39號第13條增補。由1992年第60號第7條修訂;由1995年第68號第18條修訂)
(x) 按照《知識產權署署長(設立)條例》(第412章)第3條委任的知識產權署署長、知識產權署副署長、知識產權署助理署長、高級律師或律師。(由1992年第60號第7條增補。由2005年第10號第144條修訂)
  1. 為計算上述的5年期間,可將在第(1)款(b)段各節範圍以內各段不足5年的期間合併計算。(由1965年第38號第2條修訂)
    1. 為計算根據第(1)款的5年期間,儘管《註冊總署署長(人事編制)條例》(第100章)已予廢除,但曾擔任該已被廢除條例附表1第I部所指明的職位的期間,亦可計算在內。 (由1993年第8號第26條增補。由2005年第10號第144條修訂)
    2. (將1953年第1號第5條編入)
  2. 除第58條及法院規則另有規定外,一名單獨開庭的法官須聆訊和處置在區域法院的法律程序及因該等法律程序而產生的事務。 (由2000年第28號第6條代替)

(2)每宗訴訟或事宜在聆訊或審訊以後的法律程序,直至並包括最終判決或命令,以及任何上訴許可或擱置執行的申請,在切實可行及適宜的情況下,須在原來審訊或聆訊的法官或司法常務官席前進行。 (由1962年第21號第5條代替。由2000年第28號第6條修訂)

(3)除非本條例、法院規則或另一成文法則授權在內庭聆訊和處置事宜,否則須在法庭聆訊和

處置區域法院的事務。 (由2000年第28號第6條代替) (將1953年第1號第6條編入)

條: 7 區域法院暫委法官的委任 10 of 2005 08/07/2005
    1. 如有以下情況,終審法院首席法官可委任任何根據第5條有資格獲委任為區域法院法官的人為區域法院暫委法官— (由2005年第10號第145條修訂)
      1. (a) 任何區域法院法官的職位因任何原因而懸空;或 (由2005年第10號第145條修訂)
      2. (b) 終審法院首席法官認為為執行司法工作起見而需要暫時委任區域法院暫委法官。
  1. 區域法院暫委法官具有並可行使區域法院法官的所有司法管轄權、權力及特權,以及具有並須執行區域法院法官的所有職責。任何法律中對區域法院暫委法官的提述須據此解釋。 (由2005年第10號第145條修訂)
    1. 在不限制第(1)款賦予終審法院首席法官的權力的原則下,終審法院首席法官可按以下條件委任區域法院暫委法官—
      1. (a) 只為某指明的案件或指明類別的案件而委任;
      2. (b) 任期只屬一段指明期間。

(4) 終審法院首席法官可隨時終止區域法院暫委法官的委任。 (由2000年第28號第7條代替)

條: 8 區域法院暫委法官在已進行部分聆訊的案件中的權力 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

即使區域法院暫委法官任期已屆滿或其委任已遭終審法院首席法官終止,他仍可恢復聆訊和裁定任何被押後的法律程序並宣告判決。 (由2000年第28號第7條代替)

條: 9 獲委任為法官的裁判官在已進行部分聆訊的案件中的司法管轄權 25 of 1998 01/07/1997

附註:

具追溯力的適應化修訂─見1998年第25號第2

裁判官如獲委任為法官,則即使有此項委任,他仍可行使與執行此項委任前就其作為裁判官而獲賦予的一切司法管轄權、權力、權限及職責,但僅限於就此項委任前他作為裁判官於其席前正式展開的法律程序。

(由1970年第11號第3條增補)

條: 10 獲委任為高等法院大法官或原訟法庭暫委大法官的法官在已進行部分聆訊的案件中的司法管轄權 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

法官如─

(a) 根據《高等法院條例》(第4章)第6(1)條獲委任為高等法院大法官;或
(b) 根據《高等法院條例》(第4章)第10(1)條獲委任為原訟法庭暫委大法官,

則即使有此項委任,他仍可行使與執行此項委任前就其作為區域法院法官而獲賦予的一切司法管轄權、權力、權限及職責,但僅限於就此項委任前他作為區域法院法官於其席前正式展開的法律程序。

(由1970年第11號第3條增補。由1975年第92號第58條修訂;由1983年第49號第7條修訂;由1998年第25號第2條修訂;由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

條: 11 (1997年第47號第10條廢除) 25 of 1998 01/07/1997

附註:

具追溯力的適應化修訂─見1998年第25號第2

條: 11A 區域法院法官的任期 25 of 1998 01/07/1997

附註:

具追溯力的適應化修訂─見1998年第25號第2

(1) 法官須於到達退休年齡時離任。

  1. 即使某法官已達退休年齡,但如有法律程序在其未達退休年齡前已在其席前展開,則該法官可於到達退休年齡後繼續留任,直至他就該等法律程序作出判決或作出其他處理為止。
    1. 即使有第(1)款的規定,如某法官是在1987年1月1日之前獲委任為法官的,其任期可由行政長官按照司法人員敍用委員會的建議延展一段或多於一段的指明期間,但總計不得超過5年;在上述任何情況下,該名法官須據此視為在該段或該等指明期間屆滿時,已到達退休年齡。
    2. (4) 法官可隨時藉致予行政長官的書面通知辭去其職位。
    1. (5) 在本條中─ “法官”(judge) 指區域法院法官; “退休年齡”(retiring age)─
      1. (a) 就任何在1987年1月1日之前獲委任為法官的法官而言,指60歲;及
      2. (b) 就任何在1987年1月1日或該日之後獲委任為法官的法官而言,指65歲。 (由1997年第26號第4條增補。由1998年第25號第2條修訂)
  2. 在符合根據本條例訂立的規則下,首席大法官可就涉及區域法院事務的分配及處置,發出其認為適合的指示。
  3. 在符合該等規則或指示以及第(3)款的條文下,法官可在其認為適合的地方及時間開庭,處置在區域法院待決的事務。 (由1962年第21號第7條修訂)
  4. 任何法律程序,不論是在其中任何時間或任何階段,又不論是否有其中的任何一方提出申請,可按訂明的方式或該等指示所准許的方式,從一名法官移交至另一名法官。(由1962年第21號第7條修訂)
條: 12 區域法院事務的分配及處置 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

(將1953年第1號第8條編入。由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

條: 13 區域法院印章 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
  1. (1) 區域法院須使用終審法院首席法官所指示的印章。
  2. (2) 區域法院發出的一切令狀、判決、命令、文件及文本,均須蓋上法院印章。
  3. 任何看來是蓋上區域法院印章的令狀、判決、命令、文件或文本,在任何法院一經出示,

即可獲接納而無須再作證明。 (由2000年第28號第8條代替)

條: 14 區域法院人員 10 of 2005 08/07/2005
  1. 行政長官可委任一名區域法院司法常務官以及其認為適合數目的副司法常務官、助理司法常務官、總司法書記及執達主任;區域法院並可獲派駐區域法院書記、書記、傳譯人員及其他人員,人數視行政長官認為有需要而定。 (由2000年第28號第9條代替)
  2. 根據第(1)款的條文委任或派駐區域法院的司法常務官、每名副司法常務官、助理司法常務官、執達主任、區域法院書記、書記、傳譯人員及其他人員,除可行使或執行本條例或任何其他成文法則賦權或規定其執行的職能、權力及職責外,亦可分別行使或執行與派駐高等法院的司法常務官、副司法常務官、助理司法常務官、執達主任、區域法院書記、書記、傳譯人員及其他人員所行使與執行的同樣的職能、權力及職責,但以該等職能、權力及職責適用於區域法院的事務及法律程序為限。 (由1962年第21號第9條代替。由1965年第38號第3條修訂;由1975年第92號第58條修訂;由2000年第28號第46及48條修訂)

(2A)司法常務官具有並可行使由或根據法院規則或任何其他法律賦予他的其他司法管轄權及權力,以及具有並須執行由或根據法院規則或任何其他法律施加予他的其他職責。(由2000年第28號第9條增補)

(2B) 副司法常務官及助理司法常務官可稱為聆案官。 (由2000年第28號第9條增補)

  1. 根據本條例或任何其他成文法則而規定或授權司法常務官作出的作為,可由區域法院的副司法常務官或助理司法常務官作出;而區域法院的任何法律程序文件,即使已指派某執達主任本人執行,仍可由區域法院的其他執達主任執行。 (由1962年第21號第9條修訂;由1965年第38號第3條修訂;由2000年第28號第46及48條修訂)
  2. 就區域法院的事務及法律程序而言,任何權力或職責,如是高等法院司法常務官、派駐高等法院的暫委司法常務官、高級副司法常務官、暫委高級副司法常務官、副司法常務官、暫委副司法常務官、助理司法常務官、暫委助理司法常務官及執達主任假若根據第(1)款被委任或派駐區域法院時,本可各自根據第(2)及(3)款行使或執行的,則該司法常務官、暫委司法常務官、高級副司法常務官、暫委高級副司法常務官、副司法常務官、暫委副司法常務官、助理司法常務官、暫委助理司法常務官或執達主任行使該等權力或執行該等職責,乃屬合法。 (由2000年第28號第9條代替。由2005年第10號第146條修訂)
    1. 任何本條適用的人,根據本條例行使其權力或執行其職責所負有的法律責任及所受的罰則規限以及所享有的保障,與憑藉《高等法院條例》(第4章)的條文而對根據該條例行使類似權力或執行類似職責的人所附加的法律責任、罰則規限以及其所享有的保障相同。 (由1962年第21號第9條修訂)
    2. (由1958年第18號第3條代替。由1998年第25號第2條修訂)
    1. 任何人如符合以下條件,即有資格獲委任為司法常務官、副司法常務官或助理司法常務官 —
      1. (a)該人有資格在香港或任何其他普通法適用地區的任何法院執業為大律師、律師或訟辯人,而該法院是在民事或刑事事宜上具有無限司法管轄權的;及
      2. (b)自具有上述資格後,該人已在一段不少於5年的期間或在不同期間而合共不少於5年的期間是—
條: 14AA 司法常務官、副司法常務官及助理司法常務官的專業資格 10 of 2005 08/07/2005

336 -區域法院條例

(i) 在任何上述法院執業為大律師、律師或訟辯人;
(ii) 按照《裁判官條例》(第227章)第5條委任的常任裁判官;
(iii) 按照《死因裁判官條例》(第504章)第3條委任的死因裁判官;
(iv) 按照《小額錢債審裁處條例》(第338章)第4條委任的審裁官;
(v) 按照《勞資審裁處條例》(第25章)第4條委任的審裁官;
(vi) 《律政人員條例》(第87章)第2條所界定的律政人員;
(vii)按照《法律援助條例》(第91章)第3條委任的法律援助署署長、法律援助署副署長、法律援助署助理署長或法律援助主任;
(viii) 按照《破產條例》(第6章)第75條委任的破產管理署署長、助理破產管理署署長(法律)、助理首席律師、高級律師或律師;或
(ix)按照《知識產權署署長(設立)條例》(第412章)第3條委任的知識產權署署長、知識產權署副署長、知識產權署助理署長、高級律師或律師。

(2) 為計算第(1)(b)款提述的5年期間—

(a) 在該款任何節範圍以內各段不足5年的期間可合併計算;
(b)儘管《註冊總署署長(人事編制)條例》(第100章)已被廢除,擔任該已被廢除條例附表1

第I部所指明的職位的期間仍可計算在內。 (由2005年第10號第147條增補)

    1. 如有以下情況,終審法院首席法官可委任任何根據第14AA條有資格獲委任為司法常務官的人為暫委司法常務官—
      1. (a) 司法常務官的職位因任何理由而懸空;或
      2. (b) 終審法院首席法官認為出於執行司法工作的利益需要,應委任一名暫委司法常務官。
    1. 在不損害第(1)款所賦予的權力的一般性的原則下,終審法院首席法官可委任某人只在一段指明期間內擔任暫委司法常務官。
      1. (3) 終審法院首席法官可隨時終止一名暫委司法常務官的委任。
      2. 在本條及第14C條中,“暫委司法常務官”(temporary registrar)指根據第(1)款獲委任為暫委

司法常務官的人。 (由2005年第10號第147條增補)

    1. 如有以下情況,終審法院首席法官可委任任何根據第14AA條有資格獲委任為副司法常務官的人為暫委副司法常務官─ (由2005年第10號第148條修訂)
      1. (a) 任何副司法常務官的職位因任何理由而懸空;或
      2. (b) 終審法院首席法官認為為執行司法工作起見,有需要委任暫委副司法常務官。
  1. 在不損害第(1)款所賦予的權力的一般性的原則下,終審法院首席法官可委任某人只在一段指明期間內出任暫委副司法常務官。
    1. 暫委副司法常務官在其委任期間內,具有副司法常務官的所有司法管轄權、權力及特權,並須執行副司法常務官的所有職責,而任何法律中對副司法常務官的提述須據此解釋。
      1. (4) 終審法院首席法官可隨時終止某暫委副司法常務官的委任。
      2. (5) 暫委副司法常務官可稱為聆案官。
    1. (6) 在本條及第14C條中,“暫委副司法常務官”(temporary deputy registrar) 指根據第(1)款獲委任為暫委副司法常務官的人。
    2. (由2000年第28號第10條增補)
    1. 如有以下情況,終審法院首席法官可委任任何根據第14AA條有資格獲委任為助理司法常務官的人為暫委助理司法常務官─ (由2005年第10號第149條修訂)
      1. (a) 任何助理司法常務官的職位因任何理由而懸空;或
      2. (b) 終審法院首席法官認為為執行司法工作起見,有需要委任暫委助理司法常務官。
  2. 在不損害第(1)款所賦予的權力的一般性的原則下,終審法院首席法官可委任某人只在一段指明期間內出任暫委助理司法常務官。
    1. 暫委助理司法常務官在其委任期間內,具有助理司法常務官的所有司法管轄權、權力及特權,並須執行助理司法常務官的所有職責,而任何法律中對助理司法常務官的提述須據此解釋。
      1. (4) 終審法院首席法官可隨時終止某暫委助理司法常務官的委任。
      2. (5) 暫委助理司法常務官可稱為聆案官。
      3. (6) 在本條及第14C條中,“暫委助理司法常務官”(temporary assistant registrar) 指根據第(1)款獲
條: 14B 暫委助理司法常務官的委任 10 of 2005 08/07/2005

委任為暫委助理司法常務官的人。 (由2000年第28號第10條增補)

條: 14C 暫委司法常務官等於委任終止時在已進行部分聆訊的案件中的權力 10 of 2005 08/07/2005

(1)如在暫委司法常務官席前進行的任何法律程序的聆訊被押後,或如暫委司法常務官在任何法律程序中押後宣告判決,則即使該暫委司法常務官的委任期已屆滿或其委任已終止,他仍有權恢復聆訊,並就該等法律程序作出裁定或宣告判決。

  1. (2) 第(1)款適用於暫委副司法常務官或暫委助理司法常務官,一如其適用於暫委司法常務官。 (由2000年第28號第10條增補。由2005年第10號第150條修訂)
    1. (1) 在區域法院的任何法律程序中,以下的人可向法庭陳詞─
      1. (a) 法律程序的任何一方;
      2. (b) 有資格在高等法院執業並由任何一方聘用或代表任何一方而聘用的大律師; (由1998年第25號第2條修訂)
      3. (c)有資格在高等法院執業並且是法律程序的任何一方在法律程序中一般性地代表該一方的律師,但他須不是由作如此代表的律師聘用為訟辯人的律師;(由1998年第25號第2條修訂;由2008年第178號法律公告修訂)
      4. (d) 藉區域法院的許可獲准代替法律程序的任何一方出庭的其他人。 (由2000年第28號第11條修訂)
條: 15 出庭發言權 L.N. 178 of 2008 01/01/2009

(1A) 律師向法庭陳詞的權利不得僅因他受其他律師以常設職位獨家僱用而被摒除。 (由2000年第28號第11條增補)

(2)除律師外,任何人無權由於代表任何其他一方在區域法院的法律程序中出庭或作代表而獲得或追討任何費用或酬賞。 (由2000年第28號第11條修訂)

(2A)大律師在區域法院出庭或作代表的權利,或律師就聘用大律師出庭或作代表而追討費用的權利,並不受本條例影響。 (由2000年第28號第11條增補)

(3) (由2008年第25號第7條廢除)

(由1962年第21號第10條代替。由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

條: 16 更正錯誤法律程序的禁止 25 of 1998 01/07/1997

附註:

具追溯力的適應化修訂─見1998年第25號第2

就根據本條例的條文進行的法律程序不得進行更正錯誤法律程序。 (將1953年第1號第12條編入)

條: 17 區域法院規則委員會 10 of 2005 08/07/2005

(1)現設立區域法院規則委員會,由高等法院首席法官、高等法院首席法官委任的3名區域法院法官、香港大律師公會提名的一名大律師、香港律師會提名的一名律師及司法常務官組成。 (由1981年第79號第11條修訂;由2000年第28號第46條修訂)

  1. (2) 規則委員會任何會議的法定人數為成員3名,其中一名須為上述的大律師或上述的律師。
  2. (3) 規則委員會由高等法院首席法官召開或指示召開。
  3. 規則委員會的主席為高等法院首席法官,如高等法院首席法官缺席則由出席會議的區域法

院法官中的資深者出任主席。 (由1962年第21號第11條代替。由1998年第25號第2條修訂;由2005年第10號第10條修訂)

條: 18 存於區域法院無人申索款項的轉撥 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

第III部

民事及刑事法律程序兩者均適用的條文

(1)如有任何款項存於區域法院為期達5年而仍無人申索,首席大法官可應高等法院司法常務官的申請,命令將該款項轉撥入政府一般收入內。 (由1998年第25號第2條修訂;由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

(2)首席大法官根據第(1)款作出命令前,可指示須向其認為適合的各方發出其認為需要的通知

(如有的話)。 (由1971年第71號第3條增補)

條: 19 (1981年第59號第4條廢除) 25 of 1998 01/07/1997

附註:

具追溯力的適應化修訂─見1998年第25號第2

條: 20 因藐視罪而交付羈押 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

任何人如─

(a)在法官或證人或區域法院人員開庭或出席區域法院時或往返區域法院途中,故意對其侮辱;或
(b)故意中斷在區域法院進行的法律程序,或作出藐視法庭行為,或在區域法院內作其他

不檢行為, 則區域法院的任何人員,不論是否有其他人協助,可在法官的命令下,將該罪犯羈押,並扣留至法庭散庭,而法官如認為適合,可─

(i) 藉其親筆簽署的手令,將該罪犯押交監獄一段不超逾2年的指明期間;或 (由1972年第25號第2條修訂)

(ii) 就每項該等罪行對有關罪犯處以罰款。 (由2000年第28號第12條修訂)
(由1962年第21號第12條代替。由1981年第59號第4條修訂;由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

條: 21 (1995年第13號第46條廢除) 25 of 1998 01/07/1997

附註:

具追溯力的適應化修訂─見1998年第25號第2

條: 22 繳費的法律責任的強制執行 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

任何已予訂明的費用如不獲繳付,得藉區域法院命令強制執行繳付,方式一如強制執行繳付經區域法院判決須予繳付的任何債項。 (由1962年第21號第12條代替。由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

條: 23 罰款及經沒收的擔保的強制執行 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
  1. 區域法院可強制執行其所判處的罰款或沒收的擔保,方式一如強制執行一項着令繳付款項的判決。
  2. 如任何罰款或擔保在到期時尚未全數繳付,區域法院須以證明書向司法常務官證明該筆須繳付的款項,而司法常務官須強制執行該筆已證明為欠區域法院的判定債項的繳付。

(3) 在本條中,“罰款”(fine) 包括在民事法律程序中所判處的並須向區域法院繳付的罰金。 (由2000年第28號第13條代替)

條: 24 監禁命令及手令的強制執行 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

凡區域法院或法官作出任何命令或發出任何手令,將任何人交付監獄,該命令或手令須致予司法常務官,而他藉此獲賦予權力將命令或手令所針對的人提拿,且─ (由2000年第28號第46及48條修訂)

(a) 每名警務人員均有職責協助執行每項該等命令或手令;及
(b)該命令或手令所述監獄的主管人員有職責將該命令或手令所述的人收監與不容其離

開,直至該人獲合法釋放為止。 (由1962年第21號第12條代替)

條: 25 司法常務官保管費用等 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

以下各項須向司法常務官繳付─ (由2000年第28號第46條修訂)

(a) 根據本條例或任何其他成文法則就區域法院的任何法律程序而須繳付的一切費用; (由2000年第28號第48條修訂)
(b) 所有如此被判處沒收的財物;及
(c) 所有如此判處的罰款。 (由2000年第28號第14條代替)

(由1962年第21號第12條增補)

條: 26 (2000年第28號第15條廢除) L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
條: 27 假裝根據區域法院權限行事 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

任何人─

(a)將偽稱為區域法院傳票的文本或其他法律程序文件的文本的任何文件,明知其為虛假而交付或安排交付予任何其他人;或 (由2000年第28號第48條修訂)
(b)根據任何偽裝或假裝的區域法院法律程序文件或區域法院權限而行事或聲稱如此行

事, (由2000年第28號第48條修訂) 即屬犯罪─

(i) 一經循簡易程序定罪,可處第6級罰款及監禁2年;或 (由2000年第28號第16條修訂)
(ii) 一經循公訴程序定罪,可處監禁7年。 (由1962年第21號第12條增補)
條: 28 虛假地表示文件由區域法院發出 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

在不損害第27條的條文的情況下,任何文件如不是根據區域法院的權限而發出,但由於其形式或內容,或由於其形式及內容,以致看來是根據區域法院的權限發出的,則任何人明知而將該文件交付或安排交付予任何其他人,即屬犯罪,一經循簡易程序定罪,可處第5級罰款及監禁12個月。

(由1962年第21號第12條代替。由2000年第28號第17及48條修訂)

條: 29 扣取財物 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

任何人扣取或企圖扣取在根據區域法院法律程序文件而作的執行中被檢取的財物或在因欠租而作的扣押中被檢取的財物,即屬犯罪─ (由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

(a) 一經循簡易程序定罪,可處第5級罰款及監禁12個月;或 (由2000年第28號第18條代替)
(b) 一經循公訴程序定罪,可處監禁2年。 (由2000年第28號第18條代替) (由1962年第21號第12條增補)
條: 30 襲擊人員 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

任何人在區域法院人員執行職責時,襲擊、抗拒或妨礙該人員,即屬犯罪— (由2000年第28號第19條修訂;由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

(a) 一經循簡易程序定罪,可處第5級罰款及監禁12個月;或 (由2000年第28號第19條代替)
(b) 一經循公訴程序定罪,可處監禁2年。 (由2000年第28號第19條代替) (由1962年第21號第12條代替)
條: 31 撤銷交付羈押令 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

法官可隨時撤銷根據第20或23條將任何人交付監獄的命令;如該人已在羈押中,則法官可命令將其釋放。 (由1962年第21號第12條增補。由2000年第28號第20條修訂)

條: 32 在合約、準合約及侵權行為訴訟中的一般司法管轄權 L.N. 241 of 2003 01/12/2003

第IV部

民事司法管轄權及程序

司法管轄權─一般規定

(1)凡在任何基於合約、準合約或侵權行為而提出的訴訟中,原告人申索的款額不超逾$1000000,區域法院具有聆訊和裁定該訴訟的司法管轄權。

    1. (2) 在本條及第34條中,原告人申索的款額指在顧及以下事項後原告人所申索的款額─
      1. (a)被告人向原告人申索或可向原告人追討而原告在其申索陳述書中所承認的任何抵銷、債項或索求;
      2. (b)根據《僱員補償條例》(第282章)支付給原告人而原告人在其申索陳述書中所承認的任何補償(即該條例第3條界定的補償);及
      3. (c) 原告人在其申索陳述書中所承認的任何共分疏忽。
  1. (3) 凡藉互爭權利訴訟進行的法律程序所爭議的事宜的款額或價值不超逾$1000000,區域法院

具有聆訊和裁定該法律程序的司法管轄權。 (由2000年第28號第21條代替。由2003年第241號法律公告修訂)

條: 33 藉成文法則可追討的款項 L.N. 241of 2003 01/12/2003

(1)對於為追討憑藉當其時有效的成文法則可追討的任何罰金、開支、分擔或其他同類索求的任何訴訟,以及為追討成文法則宣告為可作民事債項追討的款項的訴訟,區域法院均具有司法管轄權予以聆訊和裁定,只要符合以下規定即可─ (由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

(a) 該成文法則或其他成文法則並無明文規定該索求只可在某其他法院追討;及
(b) 在該訴訟中所申索的款額不超逾$1000000。 (由1966年第35號第2條修訂;由1973年第68號第2條修訂;由1981年第79號第2條修訂;由1983年第387號法律公告修訂;由1988年第49號第4條修訂;由2000年第28號第22條修訂;由2003年第241號法律公告修訂)

(2) 就本條而言,“罰金”(penalty) 不包括任何人經循公訴程序或簡易程序定罪而可遭判罰的罰

款。 (將1962年第22號第4條編入)

條: 34 為使區域法院具有司法管轄權而放棄部分申索 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
  1. 凡在訴訟中申索款額超逾區域法院司法管轄權的金額限制,而若非如此區域法院對該訴訟本具有司法管轄權,則如該訴訟中的原告人放棄其申索中超出的款額,區域法院即具有聆訊和裁定該訴訟的司法管轄權。
  2. 在本條所指的訴訟中,區域法院不能將超逾區域法院司法管轄權的金額限制的款額,判給原告人。

(3)區域法院在根據本條受限制的訴訟中所作的判決,即完全了結有關的訴訟因由中的一切索

求。 (由2000年第28號第23條代替)

條: 35 收回土地的司法管轄權 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

凡土地的每年租金或按照《差餉條例》(第116章)確定的應課差餉租值,或其年值(以最低者為準)不超逾$240000,區域法院具有聆訊和裁定收回該土地的訴訟的司法管轄權。 (由2000年第28號第23條代替)

條: 36 對於有關所有權問題的司法管轄權 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

凡在任何本屬區域法院司法管轄權範圍以內的訴訟中出現土地權益所有權的問題,在以下情況下,區域法院具有聆訊和裁定該訴訟的司法管轄權─

(a)就屬地役權或特許的問題而言,有人聲稱對有關土地享有地役權或特許,而該土地的年值或按照《差餉條例》(第116章)確定的應課差餉租值(以較低者為準)不超逾$240000;或
(b)就任何其他情況而言,該土地的年值或按照《差餉條例》(第116章)確定的應課差餉租

值(以較低者為準)不超逾$240000。 (由2000年第28號第23條代替)

條: 37 衡平法司法管轄權 L.N. 241 of 2003 01/12/2003

(1)在符合第(2)款列出的關乎款額或價值的最高限額的規定下,區域法院具有原訟法庭聆訊和裁定以下法律程序的司法管轄權—

(a) 為管理某死者的遺產或與此有關而進行的法律程序;
(b)為執行某項信託或宣告某項信託存在而進行的法律程序,或根據《更改信託條例》(第253章)第3條進行的法律程序;
(c)為止贖或贖回按揭而進行的法律程序,或為強制執行押記或留置權而進行的法律程序;
(d)為強制履行或更正、撤銷、交付或取消任何出售、購買或租賃財產的協議而進行的法律程序;
(e) 為幼年人的贍養費或預付受託財產而進行的法律程序;
(f) 為合夥的解散或清盤而進行的法律程序,不論該合夥的存在是否受爭議;
(g) 為尋求針對欺詐或過失的濟助而進行的法律程序。

(2) 第(1)款提述的關乎款額或價值的最高限額的規定如下—

(a) 如屬第(1)(a)款提述的法律程序,則死者的遺產;
(b) 如屬第(1)(b)款提述的法律程序,則受有關信託規限(或被指稱為受該信託規限)的產業或資金;
(c) 如屬第(1)(c)款提述的法律程序,則在有關按揭、押記或留置權之下的欠款;
(d) 如屬第(1)(d)款提述的法律程序,(如屬出售或購買協議)則買款或(如屬租賃協議)財產;
(e) 如屬第(1)(e)款提述的法律程序,則有關幼年人的財產;
(f) 如屬第(1)(f)款提述的法律程序,則有關合夥的資產;
(g)如屬第(1)(g)款提述的法律程序,則所蒙受的損害,或(如屬就任何產業或資金尋求濟助

的情況)有關產業或資金, 的最高限額為—

(i) (凡該法律程序並不涉及或關乎土地者)$1000000; (由2003年第241號法律公告修訂)
(ii) (凡該法律程序部分涉及或部分關乎土地而並非涉及或關乎土地的部分的款額或價值超逾$1000000者)$1000000; (由2003年第241號法律公告修訂)
(iii) (凡該法律程序全部涉及或全部關乎土地者)$3000000;
(iv) (凡該法律程序部分涉及或部分關乎土地而並非涉及或關乎土地的部分的款額或價值不超逾$1000000者)$3000000。 (由2003年第241號法律公告修訂)
  1. 在本條授權於區域法院進行的法律程序中,法官除具有其本身的其他權力及權限外,亦具有原訟法庭法官在為行使原訟法庭的衡平法司法管轄權而行事時所具有的權力及權限。
  2. 凡土地的每年租金或按照《差餉條例》(第116章)確定的應課差餉租值,或其年值(以最低者為準)超逾$240000,本條並不給予區域法院對收回該土地或關乎該土地所有權的法律程序的司法管轄權。

(由2000年第28號第23條代替)

條: 37A (2000年第28號第23條廢除) L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
條: 38 根據《已婚者地位條例》而具有司法管轄權 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

(標題由2000年第28號第23條廢除)

區域法院具有《已婚者地位條例》(第182章)第6條賦予原訟法庭的司法管轄權及權力。 (由2000年第28號第23條代替)

條: 38A 區域法院下令簽立文書 L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009

(1) 第(2)款在以下情況下適用—

(a) 區域法院作出一項判決或命令,指示某人—
(i) 簽立任何轉易契、合約或其他文件;或
(ii) 背書任何可流轉票據;而
(b) 該人—
(i) 疏忽或拒絕遵從該項判決或命令;或
(ii) 在經過合理的查詢後未能被尋獲。
  1. (2) 區域法院可按公正的條款及條件(如有的話),命令上述轉易契、合約或其他文件由區域法院為此目的而提名的人簽立,或命令上述可流轉票據由區域法院為此目的而提名的人背書。
  2. 按照第(2)款簽立或背書的轉易契、合約、文件或票據的效力,與猶如它是由原本被指示簽立或背書的人簽立或背書所具有的效力一樣。

(4)本條並不削減區域法院藉扣押而針對任何疏忽或拒絕簽立或背書任何上述文書的人進行法

律程序的權力。 (由2008年第3號第35條增補)

條: 39 反申索 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

詳列交互參照: 32、33、34、35、36、37

在第32至37條中,凡提述訴訟或法律程序之處,須解釋為包括提述反申索。 〈* 註─詳列交互參照:第32、33、34、35、36、37條 *〉 (由2000年第28號第23條代替)

條: 40 保留條文 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

《小額錢債審裁處條例》(第338章)、《業主與租客(綜合)條例》(第7章)或《勞資審裁處條例》(第25章)或將專有司法管轄權賦予區域法院以外的法庭或審裁處的任何其他條例的條文,不受本部影響。

(由2000年第28號第23條代替)

條: 41 在區域法院展開的法律程序超越區域法院司法管轄權時所用的程序 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

法律程序的移交及關於司法管轄權的雜項條文 (由2000年第28號第23條增補)

  1. 凡在區域法院展開的不屬反申索的訴訟或法律程序在區域法院司法管轄權以外,但在原訟法庭司法管轄權範圍以內,區域法院須主動或應任何一方的申請,命令將該訴訟或法律程序移交原訟法庭。
  2. (2) 凡區域法院應被告人的申請而覺得原告人或(如原告人多於一名)其中一名原告人已知道或應已知道區域法院對其所提出的訴訟或法律程序沒有司法管轄權,如區域法院認為適合,可命令將該訴訟或法律程序剔除,而並非命令將其移交。
    1. 如被告人在屬區域法院司法管轄權範圍以內的訴訟或法律程序中提出一項反申索,而該項反申索是在區域法院司法管轄權範圍以外,但在原訟法庭司法管轄權範圍以內的,則區域法院可主動或應任何一方的申請─
      1. (a) 命令將整項法律程序移交原訟法庭;或
      2. (b)命令將該項反申索的法律程序移交原訟法庭,而關乎原告人的申索(對反申索的整個標的事項或其部分提出抵銷的抗辯除外)的法律程序,則由區域法院聆訊和裁定;或
      3. (c) (如區域法院認為整項法律程序應在區域法院聆訊和裁定)命令向原訟法庭或原訟法庭法官報告該事宜。
    2. (4) 在接獲第(3)(c)款所述的報告後,原訟法庭或原訟法庭法官如認為適合,可命令─
      1. (a) 將整項法律程序移交原訟法庭;或
      2. (b) 整項法律程序在區域法院聆訊和裁定;或
      3. (c)將該項反申索的法律程序移交原訟法庭,而關乎原告人的申索(對反申索的整個標的事項或其部分提出抵銷的抗辯除外)的法律程序,則由區域法院聆訊和裁定。
  3. 凡有命令根據第(3)(b)或(4)(c)款作出,而原告人就其申索獲判勝訴,則除非原訟法庭或原訟法庭法官於任何時間另有命令,否則該判決須擱置執行,直至移交原訟法庭的法律程序完結為止。
  4. 如並無報告根據第(3)(c)款作出,或就上述報告有命令作出,規定整項法律程序在區域法院聆訊和裁定,則即使任何成文法則有相反規定,區域法院仍具有司法管轄權以聆訊和裁定整項法律程序。

(由2000年第28號第23條代替)

條: 42 將法律程序移交原訟法庭或土地審裁處 L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009

區域法院可主動或應任何一方的申請,在任何階段命令將在其席前進行並屬原訟法庭或土地審裁處司法管轄權範圍以內(視屬何情況而定)的訴訟或法律程序的全部或部分,移交原訟法庭或土地審裁處。

(由2008年第3號第45條代替)

條: 43 將屬區域法院司法管轄權範圍以內的法律程序自原訟法庭移交區域法院 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

(1)原訟法庭可主動或應任何一方的申請,命令將原訟法庭覺得相當可能屬區域法院司法管轄權範圍以內的整項訴訟或法律程序(反申索除外)或其部分,移交區域法院。

  1. (2) 在法律程序的任何階段中,原訟法庭均可主動或應任何一方的申請而根據本條作出命令。
  2. 除非原訟法庭認為由於在上述訴訟或法律程序中出現任何重要或複雜的爭論點,或由於任

何其他原因,該訴訟或法律程序應繼續由原訟法庭處理,否則原訟法庭須根據本條作出命令。 (由2000年第28號第23條代替)

條: 44 在各方同意下將法律程序由原訟法庭移交區域法院 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

(1)如各方同意,原訟法庭可命令將超越區域法院司法管轄權範圍但如並非因第32、33、35、36或37條所指明的金額限制本會屬區域法院司法管轄權範圍內的整項訴訟或法律程序(包括反申索)或其部分,移交區域法院。

  1. (2) 在法律程序的任何階段中,原訟法庭均可根據本條作出命令。
  2. 在訴訟或法律程序根據第(1)款移交區域法院後,區域法院具有聆訊和裁定整項訴訟或法律

程序(包括反申索)或其部分的司法管轄權,即使任何成文法則有相反規定亦然。 (由2000年第28號第23條代替)

條: 44A 移交的案件等的訟費 L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009

(1) 本條適用於—

(a) 自原訟法庭移交區域法院;
(b) 自區域法院移交原訟法庭;或
(c) 自審裁處移交區域法院, 的訴訟或法律程序。
(2)
作出移交令的法院或審裁處可就法律程序移交前的訟費和移交法律程序的訟費,作出命令。
(3)
除作出移交令的法院或審裁處另有命令外,整項法律程序移交某法院前和如此移交後的訟費均由該法院酌情決定。
(4)
凡法律程序移交某法院,該法院有權就訟費和須按以評定該法律程序各部分的訟費的訟費表,作出命令,整項法律程序的訟費亦須在該法院評定。
(5)
在以合約、準合約或侵權行為為基礎而提出的訴訟中,就移交前在原訟法庭進行的法律程序而言,區域法院如信納在原訟法庭提出該訴訟是有充分理由的,除原訟法庭另有命令外,可作出命令准予按原訟法庭訟費表評定訟費。

(6) (由2008年第3號第4條廢除) (由2000年第28號第23條增補)

條: 45 訴訟因由的分割 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

不得為了在區域法院提出2宗或多於2宗的訴訟而將訴訟因由分拆或分割,使其成為2宗或多於2宗的訴訟的根據。 (將1962年第22號第16條編入。由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

條: 46 不得以未成年為抗辯 25 of 1998 01/07/1997

附註:

具追溯力的適應化修訂─見1998年第25號第2

凡根據在《成年歲數(有關條文)條例》(第410章)生效日期*前訂立的協議而產生任何債項、損害賠償或索求,而該等債項、損害賠償或索求的數額─

(a) 不超逾$60000;或 (由1988年第49號第4條增補)
(b) 由於原告人已放棄其在訴訟因由中超出$60000的款額而減少至不超逾$60000, (由1988年第49號第4條增補)

則任何人不得因未滿21歲成年而就該等債項、損害賠償或索求獲豁免法律責任。 (將1962年第22號第17條編入。由1988年第49號第4條修訂;由1990年第32號第18條修訂)

註:

* 生效日期:1990年10月1日。

條: 47 (2000年第28號第24條廢除) L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
條: 47A 區域法院在法律程序展開前命令將文件披露等的權力 L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009

文件透露及有關程序

(由2000年第28號第24條增補)

    1. 凡區域法院覺得某人相當可能會是日後的法律程序的一方,則該人可向區域法院申請,要求對相當可能會是該法律程序的一方並管有、保管或控制與在該宗申索中出現的爭論點直接有關的文件的人,作出文件透露命令。 (由2008年第3號第15條修訂)
    2. (2) 本條所指的申請須按照法院規則提出。
    1. 區域法院如覺得某人相當可能正在或曾經管有、保管或控制任何直接有關文件,可命令該人— (由2008年第3號第15條修訂)
      1. (a) 披露他是否管有、保管或控制該等文件;及
        1. (b) 將他所管有、保管或控制的該等文件向申請人交出,或按該命令所指明的條件—
          1. (i) 向申請人的法律顧問交出;
          2. (ii) 向申請人的法律顧問以及申請人的醫學或其他專業顧問交出;或
          3. (iii) (如申請人並無法律顧問)向申請人的醫學或其他專業顧問交出。
    1. 就第(1)及(3)款而言,任何文件在符合下列描述的情況下,方可視為與在預期的法律程序的申索中出現的爭論點直接有關—
      1. (a) 該份文件相當可能會被法律程序中的任何一方引用為證據;或
      2. (b) 該份文件支持任何一方的論據或對任何一方的論據有不良影響。(由2008年第3號第15

條增補) (由2000年第28號第24條增補)

條: 47B 延伸區域法院的權力以命令披露文件、檢查財產等 L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009
    1. 凡在法律程序中有人提出申索,該法律程序的一方可按照法院規則向區域法院申請,要求對並非該法律程序的一方但相當可能會是正在或曾經管有、保管或控制與在該項申索中出現的爭論點有關的文件的人,作出文件透露命令。 (由2008年第3號第20條修訂)
    2. (2) 區域法院如覺得某人相當可能正在或曾經管有、保管或控制任何有關文件,可命令該人—
      1. (a) 披露他是否管有、保管或控制該等文件;及
        1. (b) 將他所管有、保管或控制的該等文件向申請人交出,或按該命令所指明的條件—
          1. (i) 向申請人的法律顧問交出;
          2. (ii) 向申請人的法律顧問以及申請人的醫學或其他專業顧問交出;或
          3. (iii) (如申請人並無法律顧問)向申請人的醫學或其他專業顧問交出。
    1. 凡在法律程序中有人提出申索,該法律程序的一方可向區域法院申請,要求對並非該法律程序的一方的人作出命令,而區域法院可命令進行以下事宜— (由2008年第3號第20條修訂)
      1. (a)有關財產的檢查、拍照、保存、保管及扣留,而在本段中,“有關財產”指並非該法律程序任何一方的財產或由任何一方管有,但卻是該法律程序的標的事項之財產,而有任何問題於在該法律程序中就某項財產而出現的情況下,“有關財產”亦指該項財產;
      2. (b) 對(a)段所述財產的抽取樣本,以及對該項財產或以該項財產進行任何實驗。
      1. (4) 本條所指的申請須按照法院規則提出。
      2. (5) 本條所指的權力是附加於區域法院除根據本條外可行使以作出命令的權力的。
      3. (6) 在本條中,“財產”(property) 包括任何土地、實產或其他任何類別的有形財產。 (由2000年第28號第24條增補)
    1. (1) 凡法院於某情況中可根據第47A或47B條作出命令,則訂立法院規則的權力包括就該等情況而訂立法院規則的權力。
      1. (2) 規則可包括規則委員會認為必需或合宜的附帶、補充及相應條文。
      2. (3) 除非區域法院另有指示,否則區域法院須將法律程序的訟費及附帶訟費,判給根據第47A及
條: 47C 47A47B條的補充條文 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

47B條尋求的命令所針對的人。 (由2000年第28號第24條增補)

條: 47D 區域法院在訴訟展開前可行使的權力 L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009

(1)凡在法律程序中有人提出申索,則在該法律程序中獲規則授權的人可向區域法院提出申請,要求就以下事宜作出命令,而區域法院可命令進行以下事宜— (由2008年第3號第16條修訂)

(a)財產的檢查、拍照、保存、保管及扣留,而該項財產可能成為該法律程序的標的事項,或在該法律程序中就該項財產可能有任何問題出現;
(b) 對(a)段所述財產的抽取樣本,以及對該項財產或以該項財產進行任何實驗。
  1. (2) 本條所指的申請須按照法院規則提出。
    1. (3) 規則委員會可訂立規則以包括—
      1. (a) 尋求命令的申請以何種方式及由何人提出;
      2. (b) 在何種情況下可作出命令;及
      3. (c) 規則委員會認為必需或合宜的附帶、補充及相應條文。
  2. (4) 在本條中,“財產”(property) 包括任何土地、實產或其他任何類別的有形財產。

(由2000年第28號第24條增補)

條: 47E 47A47D條對政府的適用範圍 L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009

(1)凡區域法院覺得有任何財產(須為第47D條所指者)相當可能會成為後來法律程序的標的事項,則第47D條在與該財產有關的範圍內,對政府具約束力。 (由2008年第3號第21條修訂)

  1. (2) 第47A、47B及47C條對政府具約束力。
  2. 區域法院如認為遵從根據第47A、47B或47D條作出的命令,相當可能會令公眾利益受到損

害,則不得根據第47A、47B或47D條作出命令。 (由2000年第28號第24條增補)

條: 48 一般的附帶司法管轄權 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

司法管轄權及附帶司法管轄權的行使

(1) 區域法院於在其席前進行的任何法律程序中,具有與原訟法庭相同的權力,以—

(a) 授予應授予的無條件或有條件的濟助、糾正或補救或多於一種補救的組合;及
(b)在符合第46條的規定下,對抗辯或反申索的每項理由,不論是衡平法或法律上的,給予其應獲給予的效力。
    1. 如就同一事宜衡平法規則與普通法規則之間有任何衝突或歧異,則區域法院在施行法律及衡平法時須以衡平法規則為準。
    2. (3) 區域法院須一如過往將相同效力—
      1. (a)給予衡平法產業權、所有權、權利、濟助、抗辯及反申索,以及衡平法責任及法律責任;及
      2. (b)在符合(a)段的規定下,給予法律申索及索求以及因普通法或任何習俗而存在或由任何條例設定的產業權、所有權、權利、責任、義務及法律責任。
  1. 區域法院須行使其司法管轄權,以在可能範圍內盡量確保各方之間的所有爭議事宜獲得完全和最終裁定,並且避免就任何該等事宜進行繁多而重複的法律程序。

(5) 區域法院如認為適合,可主動或應任何人(不論是否屬有關法律程序的一方)的申請,擱置在

其席前進行的任何法律程序。 (由2000年第28號第24條代替)

條: 48A 判給損害賠償並授予強制令或強制履行令或判給損害賠償以代替強制令或強制履行令的權力 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

區域法院如具有司法管轄權受理尋求強制令或強制履行令的申請,則可在授予強制令或強制履行令之外再判給損害賠償,或判給損害賠償以代替強制令或強制履行令。 (由2000年第28號第24條增補)

條: 48B 藐視法庭 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

法官具有原訟法庭法官的權力以—

(a) 就不服從區域法院的判決或命令而施加懲罰;或
(b) 就違反承諾而施加懲罰;或
(c) 就違反法院規則施加於律師的責任而施加紀律制裁或懲罰。

(由2000年第28號第24條增補)

條: 49 債項申索及損害賠償申索的利息 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
    1. 區域法院可在債項或損害賠償或為該項債項或損害賠償而作出的判決作出前已繳付的款項之上,加上按區域法院在該判決中認為適合的利率計算的單利,計息期由訴訟因由產生的日期起至以下日期為止—
      1. (a) (就在判決作出前已繳付的款項而言)繳付該筆款項的日期;及
      2. (b) (就該判決判令支付的款項而言)判決日期。
    2. (2) 法院規則可就利率以及利息的計算方法,訂定條文。
    1. 在判令因人身傷害或因某人死亡而獲得超逾$30000的損害賠償的判決中,除非區域法院信納有特別的相反理由,否則區域法院須將按其認為適合的利率計算的單利加於—
      1. (a)在判決作出前已繳付的款項之上,計息期由訴訟因由產生的日期起至繳付該筆款項的日期為止;及
      2. (b) 任何判令支付的款項之上,計息期由訴訟因由產生的日期起至判決日期為止。
  1. (4) 在追討債項的法律程序中,向原告人償付全部債項(但並非依據該法律程序的判決而償付)的被告人,有法律責任就該債項向原告人繳付按區域法院認為適合或法院規則訂定的利率計算的利息,計息期由訴訟因由產生的日期起至債項償付的日期為止。
    1. (5) 如一筆債項的利息已在某段期間孳生(不論原因為何),則不得根據本條判給該筆債項在該段期間的利息。
    2. (6) 根據本條判給的利息,可按不同利率就不同期間計算。
    1. 為施行第32、33、36或37條,在釐定一筆款額是否超逾或低於上述各條所指明的款額時,區域法院不得將根據本條可能會命令判給的任何利息計算在內,亦不得考慮根據本條就利息作出的任何命令。
    2. (8) 本條不影響可就匯票不兌現而追討的損害賠償。
  2. (9) 在本條中— “原告人”(plaintiff) 指索求債項或損害賠償的人; “被告人”(defendant) 指遭原告人索求債項或損害賠償的人。

(由2000年第28號第24條代替)

條: 50 判決的利息 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

(1) 判定債項的全部款額或判定債項當其時尚未清償的部分款額—

(a) 須孳生按區域法院所命令的利率計算的單利;或

(b) 在無命令的情況下,須孳生按終審法院首席法官藉命令所決定的利率計算的單利, 計息期由該判決日期起至清償為止。

  1. (2) 本條所指的利息,可就不同期間按不同利率計算。 (由2000年第28號第24條代替)
  2. 區域法院具有司法管轄權在以下情況中授予任何性質及個別案件所需的強制令,以及將之
條: 51 (2000年第28號第24條廢除) L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
條: 52 延伸司法管轄權以授予強制令及作出聲明 L.N. 241 of 2003 01/12/2003

強制執行,並作出具約束力的權利聲明─

(a)影響動產(包括金錢及據法權產)的一切事宜,但該動產的款額或價值不得超逾$1000000;及 (由1973年第68號第2條修訂;由1981年第79號第2條修訂;由1983年第387號法律公告修訂;由1988年第49號第4條修訂;由2000年第28號第25條修訂;由2003年第241號法律公告修訂)
(b) 有關擬進行的財物扣押;及
(c)影響不動產的一切事宜,包括在任何不動產之內,或通往或穿過或越過任何不動產的權利、特許或地役權,以及關於任何不動產的協議、契諾或條件,但該不動產每年租金或按照《差餉條例》(第116章)的條文釐定的應課差餉租值、或其年值(以最小者為準)不得超逾$240000;及 (由1973年第68號第3條修訂;由1981年第79號第2條修訂;由1983年第387號法律公告修訂;由1988年第49號第4條修訂;由2000年第28號第25條修訂)
(d)不在(a)、(b)或(c)段範圍內的一切合約事宜,但合約標的事項的款額或價值不得超逾$1000000, (由1973年第68號第2條修訂;由1981年第79號第2條修訂;由1983年第387號法律公告修訂;由1988年第49號第4條修訂;由2000年第28號第25條修訂;由2003年第241號法律公告修訂)

即使在該等法律程序中,有任何就損害賠償或區域法院有權力授予的其他濟助或補償的申索提出,此等司法管轄權亦不受影響。 (由1966年第35號第4條修訂)

(2) 本條不得─

(a) 當作為賦予區域法院海事司法管轄權;或
(b) 損及第48條的條文;或 (由2000年第28號第25條修訂)
(c)賦予區域法院權力以對原訟法庭的或在原訟法庭的任何法律程序文件或法律程序有影

響的方式,授予任何強制令或作出任何聲明。 (由1998年第25號第2條修訂) (將1962年第22號第21條編入。由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

  1. 區域法院可藉命令對該命令所指明的判定債務人的財產施加押記,以保證已經或將會根據區域法院的判決或命令已到期須付的任何款項的繳付。
    1. 在決定是否作出押記令時,區域法院須考慮案件的所有情況,尤其是在其席前的關於以下事項的證據—
      1. (a) 債務人的個人情況;及
      2. (b) 債務人的任何其他債權人會否因押記令的作出而相當可能會蒙受不當的損害。
    1. (3) 本條適用於任何法院或仲裁人(包括香港以外法院或香港以外仲裁人)作出的屬全部或在某限定範圍內可強制執行或已成為可強制執行的判決、命令、判令或裁決(不論其名稱為何),一如其適用於區域法院作出的判決或命令。
    2. (由2000年第28號第26條代替)
    1. 除《合夥條例》(第38章)第25條(規定除非有針對商號作出的判決,否則不得針對合夥財產而發出執行令)另有規定外,只可對以下財產藉根據本條例所作的押記令施加押記—
        1. (a) 由判定債務人—
          1. (i) 在屬第(2)款所述種類的資產中所實益持有的權益;或
          2. (ii) 根據信託所實益持有的權益;或
      1. (b)某人作為某信託(在本段中稱為“有關信託”)的受託人而持有的權益,如該權益是在屬

第(2)款所述種類的資產中的權益或是在另一信託下的權益,而—

(i) 將會施加的押記所根據的判決或命令,是針對該人作為有關信託的受託人而作出的;
(ii) 在有關信託下的全部實益權益,是由判定債務人在沒有產權負擔的情況下並為本身利益而持有的;或
(iii) 有超過一名判定債務人均就同一債項對判定債權人負有法律責任,而該等債務人是在沒有產權負擔的情況下並為本身利益而一起持有在有關信託下的全部實益權益的。

(2) 第(1)款所提述的資產是—

(a) 土地;
(b) 屬任何以下種類的證券—
(i) 政府證券;
(ii) 在香港成立為法團的任何團體的證券;
(iii) 在香港以外地方成立為法團的任何團體的證券,或香港以外任何國家或地區的證券,而該等證券已登記在備存於香港的登記冊上;
(iv) 單位信託的單位,而一本該單位信託的單位持有人登記冊已備存於香港;
(c) 存於法院的儲存金。
  1. 凡押記令是施加於土地以外的資產的權益,區域法院可將押記擴及須就該資產而繳付的任何利息、股息或其他分發以及就該資產而作出的任何紅利派發。
  2. (4) 在本條中— “股息”(dividend) 包括就某單位信託的任何單位而作出的分發; “單位信託”(unit trust)指任何信託,而設立該信託是為擁有作投資用的資金的人提供設施,使該等

人士以在該信託下的受益人身分分享由取得、持有、管理或處置財產而產生的利潤或入息;

“證券”(stock)包括由有關團體發行的股份、債權證、債權股額、基金、債券、票據及任何其他保證物(不論其是否構成一項在該團體資產上的押記),並包括認購或獲得分配任何該等股份、債權證、債權股額、基金、債券、票據或保證物的權利或選擇權。

(由2000年第28號第26條增補)

  1. 押記令的作出可以是無條件的,亦可以受限於某些條件,而該等條件須是關乎通知判定債務人、押記轉為可強制執行的時間或其他事宜的。
  2. 《土地註冊條例》(第128章)適用於押記令,一如其適用於為強制執行判決而作出的其他命令或發出的其他令狀。
  3. 藉押記令施加的押記所具有的效力,與判定債務人以書面設定並簽署的衡平法押記所具有的效力相同,並可在相同法院以相同方式強制執行。
  4. 區域法院可隨時應判定債務人或任何在押記令所關乎的財產中具有利害關係的人的申請,作出命令以解除或更改該押記令。
    1. 凡任何押記令已根據《土地註冊條例》(第128章)註冊,則土地註冊處處長在有人向他送交一份第(4)款所指解除該押記令的命令的註冊提要及該項命令的正式文本存檔時,須將該押記令的解除記入註冊紀錄冊,並可發出該記項的證明書。
    2. (由2000年第28號第26條增補)
    1. 區域法院如認為於在區域法院進行並在該法院的司法管轄權範圍內的訴訟或法律程序中,授予強制令或委任接管人是公正或適宜的,可藉命令(不論是非正審命令或最終命令)如此行事。
    2. (2) 上述命令可無條件作出,或按區域法院認為公正的條款及條件作出。
  5. 區域法院可授予非正審強制令,以禁制任何法律程序的一方將位於區域法院司法管轄權範圍內的資產移離該範圍,或以其他方式處理該等資產,不論該方是否居於或身在該範圍內,或其居籍是否在該範圍內。
    1. 區域法院可應在聆訊訴訟或法律程序之前、之時或之後提出的申請,授予強制令以防止任何有威脅會發生或惟恐會發生的土地損壞或侵入行為,不論—
      1. (a)所尋求的強制令所針對的人是否根據任何聲稱的所有權或其他權利而管有,或(如非管有的話)是否以任何所有權為藉口而聲稱有權作出尋求予以禁制的作為;及
      2. (b) 雙方或任何一方所申索的產業權是法律上的或是衡平法的產業權。
    2. (5) 區域法院可就土地的所有法律產業權及權益,以衡平法執行的方式委任接管人;而—
      1. (a)區域法院可就土地的產業權或權益而行使上述權力以委任接管人,不論是否已根據第52A條在該土地上施加押記以強制執行有關判決、命令、判令或裁決;及
      2. (b)上述權力可由區域法院作為在任何法院在為強制執行押記而進行的法律程序中委任接管人的原有權力以外的權力(並在不減損該原有權力的情況下)行使。
    1. (6) 凡為強制執行某項判決、命令、判令或裁決而根據第52A條作出的施加押記的命令,已根據《土地註冊條例》(第128章)第2條註冊,則該條例第3(2)條不適用於在以下情況作出的委任接管人的命令—
      1. (a) 該命令是在強制執行該項押記的法律程序中作出的;或
      2. (b)該命令是以衡平法執行判決、命令、判令或裁決的方式作出的;或是以衡平法執行該
條: 52B 強制令及接管人 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

命令中規定須繳付該項押記所保證的款項的方式作出的。 (由2000年第28號第26條代替)

條: 52C 就債項作扣押 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
  1. 就區域法院對債項作扣押以履行支付款項的判決或命令的司法管轄權而言,存於認可機構存款帳戶中並記入某人貸方的一筆款項,須當作為須付予該人的款項。
    1. 在不抵觸法院規則的規定下,即使以下任何適用於認可機構存款帳戶的條件未獲符合,存於該帳戶中的款項仍可予以扣押—
      1. (a) 提取任何款項前須給予通知;
      2. (b) 提取任何款項前必須親自提出申請;
      3. (c) 提取任何款項前必須出示存摺;
      4. (d) 提取任何款項前必須出示存款收據;或
      5. (e) 法院規則訂明的任何其他條件。 (由2000年第28號第26條代替)
  2. 除第52E條另有規定外,除非是根據一項區域法院命令,否則不得將任何人逮捕或監禁,以對一宗要求繳付款項或損害賠償的民事申索作強制執行、保證或追索;而區域法院只在為對須繳付一筆指明款額的款項的判決作強制執行、保證或追索時,始具有司法管轄權作出該逮捕或監禁的命令。 (由2000年第28號第48條修訂)
條: 52D 如無命令不得逮捕或監禁任何人 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

336 -區域法院條例

  1. (2) 根據第(1)款作出的監禁命令,監禁期不得超逾3個月。
  2. (3) 第(2)款所述期間可藉立法會的決議修訂。 (由1998年第25號第2條修訂)
  3. (4) (a)區域法院可應申請,無條件或在施加其認為適合的條件下解除、更改或暫停執行根據本條作出的逮捕或監禁的命令。

(b)區域法院可根據本條作出逮捕或監禁的命令,並施加其認為適合的條件,包括執行該命令的時間及地點的各種條件,以及在判定債項及訟費獲繳付、或由判定債務人或他人代其提供保證或在判定債務人的旅遊證件交出時,判定債務人須獲釋放等條件。 (由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

    1. (5) 本條並不影響區域法院就以下事宜作出交付羈押令的司法管轄權─ (由2000年第28號第48條修訂)
      1. (a) 藐視法庭;或
      2. (b) 不服從區域法院的判決或命令。 (由1984年第1號第10條增補)
    1. (1) 區域法院具有司法管轄權作出禁止某人離開香港的命令(禁止令),以便就以下事宜作強制執行、保證或追索─
      1. (a) 判該人敗訴而須繳付一筆指明款額的款項的判決;
        1. (b) 判該人敗訴而須辦理以下事宜的判決或命令─
          1. (i) 繳付一筆有待評估的款項;或
          2. (ii) 交付任何財產或作出任何其他作為;或
        1. (c) 就以下事宜而提出的民事申索(判決除外)─
          1. (i) 繳付款項或損害賠償;或
          2. (ii) 交付任何財產或作出任何其他作為。
    1. 除非區域法院信納有頗能成理的因由令其相信以下事宜,否則區域法院不得根據第(1)(b)款作出命令─
      1. (a) 該項命令所針對的人即將離開香港;及
      2. (b) 因(a)段以致在滿足該項判決或命令的規定相當可能會受到妨礙或延遲。
    1. 除非區域法院信納有頗能成理的因由令其相信以下事宜,否則區域法院不得根據第(1)(c)款作出命令─
      1. (a) 有好的訴訟因由;
        1. (b) 該項命令所針對的人─
          1. (i) 是身在香港之時在香港招致所指稱的法律責任,而該法律責任是申索的標的;或
          2. (ii) 是在香港經營業務;或
          3. (iii) 是通常居於香港;
      2. (c) 該人即將離開香港;及
      3. (d) 因(c)段以致任何可能作出判該人敗訴的判決相當可能會受到妨礙或延遲。
        1. (4) (a) 區域法院可應申請無條件或在施加其認為適合的條件下解除禁止令。
        2. (b)區域法院可在施加其認為適合的條件下作出禁止令,該等條件包括判定債務人或提出的申索所針對的人如滿足該項判決的規定或該項申索的要求或提供法院所命令的保證,則禁止令即無效力的條件。
        1. (5) (a) 根據第(1)款作出的命令,在以下時間失效─
            1. (i) 在一個月屆滿時,但區域法院可應判定債權人或申索人的申請,將命令展期或續期,為期以開始的一個月期間及任何其他展期或續期的期間合計,不得超逾3個
            2. 月;及
          1. (ii) 判定債權人或申索人將一份說明不再需要該命令的通知書送達入境事務處處長並將之送交司法常務官存檔時。 (由1997年第362號法律公告修訂;由2000年第28號第46條修訂)
    2. (b)判定債權人或申索人須在不再需要該命令時,在合理可能的情況下,盡快將(a)(ii)段所述的通知書送達並送交存檔。
  1. 根據第(1)款作出的命令及任何其他附帶命令的文本,須送達入境事務處處長、警務處處長,以及判定債務人或提出的申索所針對的人(如能尋獲的話)。 (由1997年第362號法律公告修訂)
    1. 凡區域法院根據第(1)款作出命令禁止某人離開香港,任何已獲送達該命令的文本或經其他方式知悉該命令的效力的人,如違反該命令而企圖離開香港,則任何入境事務主任、警務人員或執達主任均可將其逮捕。
    2. (8) (a)根據第(7)款被逮捕的人,須在被逮捕之日的翌日完結前被帶到區域法院席前,而區域法院可─
      1. (i) (如屬第(1)(a)款所述情況)為訊問或監禁該人而根據法院規則作出適當的命令; (由1998年第25號第2條修訂;由2000年第28號第27條修訂)
      2. (ii) (如屬任何其他人的情況)作出命令將該人監禁,直至禁止令失效或解除為止;或
      3. (iii) (不論屬何情況)作出命令將該人無條件釋放,或在該人遵從區域法院認為適合的條件後將其釋放。
    3. (b) 《釋義及通則條例》(第1章)第71條不適用於本款。
  2. 入境事務處處長無須為沒有阻止根據本條作出的命令所針對的任何人離開香港而負法律責任。 (由1997年第362號法律公告修訂)

(10)根據本條作出的命令的格式可由終審法院首席法官訂定。 (由1998年第25號第2條修訂;由

2000年第28號第27條修訂) (由1984年第1號第10條增補。由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

  1. 在區域法院進行的所有法律程序中的訟費及附帶費用,包括遺產管理及信託管理的費用,均由區域法院酌情決定,區域法院並有全權決定該等訟費須由何人支付以及須支付訟費的範圍。
  2. 在不損害第(1)款的一般性的原則下,如區域法院信納作出命令,判並非有關法律程序一方的人支付訟費屬秉行公正,則區域法院可按照法院規則如此作出命令。 (由2008年第3號第32條代替)
  3. 在區域法院席前進行的任何民事法律程序中,區域法院可按照法院規則,藉命令否決任何虛耗訟費的全部或部分,或命令有關的法律代表支付任何虛耗訟費的全部或部分。 (由2008年第3號第23條增補)
  4. 在決定是否根據第(3)款作出命令時,區域法院除須考慮所有其他有關情況外,亦須考慮在辯論式訴訟的司法制度下進行無顧忌訟辯的利益。 (由2008年第3號第23條增補)
    1. 在第(3)款中,“虛耗訟費”(wasted costs)指法律程序的一方因任何法律代表個人作出或透過其僱員或代理人作出的下述行為而招致的任何訟費—
      1. (a) 任何不恰當或不合理的作為或不作為;或
      2. (b) 任何不當的延誤或其他不當行為或過失。 (由2008年第3號第23條增補)

(6) 在本條中,“法律代表”(legal representative) 就任何法律程序的一方而言,指代表該方進行

訴訟的大律師或律師。 (由2008年第3號第23條增補) (由2000年第28號第28條增補) (1) 凡—

條: 53A 只涉訟費的法律程序 L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009
(a) 爭議的各方已就所有爭議點(包括誰人須支付爭議的訟費及附帶訟費)達成協議;
(b) 該協議已以書面達成或確認;
(c) 沒有關於該爭議的法律程序展開;及
(d) 各方沒有就該爭議的訟費及附帶訟費的數額達成協議, 本條即適用。
(2)
除任何其他條例另有規定外,協議任何一方可按照法院規則展開法律程序,要求就有關爭議的訟費及附帶訟費作出命令。
(3)
在根據第(2)款展開或根據《高等法院條例》(第4章)第52C條移交區域法院的任何法律程序中,區域法院—
(a) 可就評定或評估爭議的訟費及附帶訟費,作出命令;
(b)可作出命令將訟費判給該等法律程序的任何一方,或判該等法律程序中任何一方支付訟費;及
(c)在區域法院信納作出命令判並非該等法律程序一方的人支付訟費屬秉行公正的情況下,可如此作出命令。
(4)
凡在第(3)(b)及(c)款提述訟費,即為對根據第(2)款展開或根據《高等法院條例》(第4章)第52C條移交區域法院的法律程序的訟費及附帶訟費的提述。
(5)
如當事一方就有關訟費提出的申索不超逾$1000000,則區域法院具有司法管轄權根據第(3)款作出命令。
  1. (6) 在本條中,“區域法院”(Court) 包括司法常務官及區域法院的聆案官。 (由2008年第3號第5條增補)
  2. 區域法院可主動或應任何一方的申請,命令將根據第53A(2)條展開的法律程序移交原訟法
條: 53B 將只涉訟費的法律程序移交原訟法庭 L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009

庭。

(2) 在法律程序的任何階段中,均可根據本條作出命令。

(由2008年第3號第5條增補)

條: 53C 評定根據第 53A條所裁斷的訟費的訟費收費表 L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009

(1)凡區域法院根據第53A(3)條就訟費作出裁斷,區域法院可命令該等訟費按照下述規則評定 —

(a) 《區域法院規則》(第336章,附屬法例H)第62號命令附表1及附表2;或
(b) 《高等法院規則》(第4章,附屬法例A)第62號命令附表1及附表2。

(2)凡根據第53A(3)條就訟費作出的裁斷是由司法常務官或區域法院的聆案官作出的,則區域

法院根據第(1)款具有的關乎該等訟費的權力,可由司法常務官或該聆案官(視屬何情況而定)行使。 (由2008年第3號第5條增補)

條: 54 (2000年第28號第29條廢除) L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

程序 程序

條: 55 (2000年第28號第29條廢除) L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
條: 56 (2000年第28號第29條廢除) L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
條: 57 (2000年第28號第29條廢除) L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
條: 58 裁判委員 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
  1. 在任何民事法律程序中,區域法院可邀請不多於2名具特別資格的裁判委員協助,並可在該名或該等裁判委員的協助下,將該法律程序全部或部分處置,但區域法院的決定須為法官的決定。
  2. (2) 區域法院可就裁判委員所提供的服務,釐定須予支付的酬金(如有的話)。 (由2000年第28號第30條修訂)

(3) 本條並不授權支付酬金予任何受僱全職擔任受薪政府職位的人。 (由2000年第28號第30條增

補) (將1962年第22號第34條編入。由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

條: 59 對超越區域法院司法管轄權範圍的證人的訊問 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

(1)為在區域法院進行的法律程序的目的,原訟法庭具有發出委任書、請求書或命令以對超越區域法院司法管轄權範圍的證人進行訊問的權力,該權力與其為在原訟法庭進行的訴訟或事宜的目的所具有的權力相同。

(2)凡有申請提出,要求對超越區域法院司法管轄權範圍的證人進行訊問,原訟法庭可命令將

有關法律程序移交原訟法庭。 (由2000年第28號第31條代替)

條: 60 口述及書面判決等 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

(1) 區域法院所作判決或命令的理由可以口述或書面方式宣告。 (由1993年第1號第3條修訂;由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

(1A)凡任何判決或命令的理由是以口述方式宣告的,該等理由須在聆訊或審訊後21天內轉為文字紀錄,而如此轉為文字紀錄的理由須由法官簽署。 (由1993年第1號第3條增補)

  1. (2) 法律程序的每一方均有權在繳付訂明的費用後,取得任何書面判決或命令的文本。
  2. (3) (由1993年第1號第3條廢除) (將1962年第22號第36條編入)
條: 61 (2000年第28號第32條廢除) L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
條: 62 審訊完結前法官死亡或缺席 25 of 1998 01/07/1997

附註:

具追溯力的適應化修訂─見1998年第25號第2

336 -區域法院條例

(1)凡有法官因死亡、缺席或任何其他原因以致不能將任何訟案的審訊完結,則在訟案各方同意下,任何其他法官均可繼續進行該審訊並作出判決,而且在如此做時不僅可就在該法律程序中援引的任何進一步證據而行事,亦可就任何已獲收取並予記錄的證據行事。

(2)為施行本條,由一名法官宣稱按照第(1)款的條文進行尚未完結的審訊,即為該訟案先前的

法官死亡、缺席或因其他原因未能審理的確證。 (將1962年第22號第38條編入)

條: 63 民事事宜的上訴 * L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009

上訴

(1)除第(3)款另有規定外,在有法官或上訴法庭許可的情況下,可就法官在任何民事訟案或事宜中作出的每項判決、命令或決定,向上訴法庭提出上訴。 (1A) 除第(1B) 款另有規定外,針對聆案官在任何民事訟案或事宜中作出的判決、命令或決定而向在內庭的法官提出上訴,屬當然權利。 (由2008年第3號第28條增補)

(1B)凡法院規則規定可針對聆案官作出的指明判決、命令或決定向上訴法庭提出上訴,則該上訴可在獲得聆案官或上訴法庭的許可下向上訴法庭提出。 (由2008年第3號第28條增補)

(2) 上訴須受法院規則所規限。

(3)依據第20、29、48B、52D、52E或53(3)條作出的命令所針對的人,有權無需許可而向上訴法庭提出上訴。

(4) 在本條中,“聆案官”(master) 指司法常務官、副司法常務官或助理司法常務官。 (由2008

年第3號第28條增補) (由2000年第28號第33條代替。由2008年第3號第28條修訂)

註:

*
(由2008年第3號第28條代替)
    1. (1) 根據第63 條批予的上訴許可,可—
      1. (a) 就在有關的判決、命令或決定中出現的某個爭論點而批予;及
      2. (b)在聆訊該許可申請的法官、聆案官或上訴法庭認為為使有關上訴得到公正、迅速及合乎經濟原則的處置而需要的條件的規限下批予。
  1. (2) 聆訊有關上訴許可申請的法官、聆案官或上訴法庭除非信納—
(a) 有關上訴有合理機會得直;或
(b) 有其他有利於秉行公正的理由,因而該上訴應進行聆訊, 否則不得批予上訴許可。
條: 63A 上訴許可 L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009

(3) 在本條中,“聆案官”(master) 指司法常務官、副司法常務官或助理司法常務官。 (由2008年第3號第29條增補)

條: 63B 就上訴許可所作的決定為最終的決定 L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009

就上訴法庭對應否批予向它提出上訴的上訴許可所作的決定,任何人不得提出上訴。 (由2008年第3號第29條增補)

336 -區域法院條例

條: 64 上訴法庭在上訴中的權力 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

(1) 在任何上訴中,上訴法庭可作出任何事實的推論,並可─

(a) 命令按其認為公正的條款作重新審訊;或
(b) 命令將判任何一方勝訴的判決登錄;或
(c)以其認為適當的條款作出最終或其他命令,以確保裁定是基於各方之間所爭議的實際問題的是非曲直而作出的。

(2)在任何上訴中,上訴法庭可在對謀求完全或部分支持區域法院判決或命令的一方有利的情況下,推翻或更改區域法院就事實問題所作的任何裁定,即使上訴僅針對法律論點,亦無例外;又或可如此推翻或更改任何如此就法律問題所作的裁定,即使上訴僅針對事實問題,亦無例外。 (由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

(3)在任何上訴中,上訴法庭可按照《高等法院規則》(第4章,附屬法例)的條文收取進一步的

證據。 (由1970年第103號第7條修訂) (將1962年第22號第40條編入。由1998年第25號第2條修訂)

條: 65 上訴的程序 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

除本條例的條文另有規定外,就區域法院的決定而向上訴法庭提出的每宗上訴,須以《高等法

院規則》(第4章,附屬法例)訂明的方式提出,並受該等規則訂明的條件規限。 (將1962年第22號第41條編入。由1970年第103號第8條修訂;由1998年第25號第2條修訂;由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

條: 66 上訴時的擱置執行 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

(1)因有上訴而要求擱置執行的申請可在任何時間提出,除非上訴法庭另予准許,否則須先行向區域法院的法官提出。 (由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

(2)在不損害上訴法庭的權力的原則下,就該等申請,法官可就訟費、向法院繳存款項、為進

行上訴而提供保證或其他事項方面施加法官認為適合的條款,批予擱置執行。 (將1962年第22號第42條編入。由1998年第25號第2條修訂)

條: 66A 不依證人傳票規定的罰則 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

雜項規定

(1) 任何以訂明的方式被傳召為區域法院證人的人─ (由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

(a) 無充分因由而拒絕出庭、沒有出庭或拒絕交出或沒有交出傳票所規定交出的文件;或

(b) 拒絕宣誓或提供證據, 可被處罰款及不超逾2年的監禁,視乎法官的指示而定。 (由2000年第28號第34條修訂)

(1A)除非被傳召為證人的人在傳票送達時已獲付給或獲提供一筆合理款項作為開支(在訂明的情況中包括時間上的損失的補償),否則區域法院不得根據第(1)(a)款懲罰該人。 (由2000年第28號第34條增補)

(2) 任何到庭而又被規定須提供證據的人拒絕宣誓或拒絕提供證據,即可如前述般予以懲罰。

(3)法官可酌情指示從根據本條所繳付罰款中扣除訟費後,將餘額全數或部分,用作彌償因上述拒絕或不依傳票規定事宜而受損的一方,但此舉並不影響如此受損的有關一方就損害而提起民事法律程序的權利。

(由1981年第59號第4條增補)

條: 66B 證人開支 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

在區域法院進行的任何法律程序中,法官或司法常務官可命令將一名證人所合理地和恰當地招致的開支償還該名證人。 (由2000年第28號第35條增補)

條: 67 (2000年第28號第36條廢除) L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
條: 68 原訟法庭及法院執行的優先次序 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
    1. 凡針對同一人的物品的令狀在不同原告人的起訴下,已由原訟法庭及區域法院發出或只由區域法院發出,則須以令狀交付予執達主任執行的時間先後來決定所扣物品的權益誰屬。 (由1998年第25號第2條修訂;由2000年第28號第48條修訂)
    2. (2) 執達主任須在該等令狀上註明令狀送抵其手作執行的日期及時間。 (將1962年第22號第44條編入)
  1. 區域法院發出的扣押債務人財產令狀或其他針對物品的執行令狀,自該尚待執行的令狀交付執達主任之時起對執行債務人的物品的產權具約束力。
  2. 執行令狀並不損害任何人真誠地並以有值代價取得的執行債務人的物品的所有權,但如該人在取得其所有權時,已知悉有該令狀或有任何其他可據以將該執行債務人的物品檢取或扣押的令狀,已交付執達主任並仍在其手上而尚未執行者,則屬例外。
    1. 執達主任在收到任何執行令狀時,必須在令狀背面註明他收到該令狀的年、月、日、時,使第(1)款所述的時間得以釐定。執達主任不得就上述註明收取費用。
        1. (4) 在本條及第68B條中—
          1. (a) “產權”、“財產”(property) 指物品的一般產權,而不單指某一項特殊財產;
          2. (b) “執達主任”(bailiff) 包括負責執行某份執行令狀的任何人員;
          3. (c) 凡提述執行債務人的物品,須當作提述在執行某項判決時可予以扣押並出售的財產;
          4. (d) 任何作為如事實上是誠實地作出的,則不論其是否疏忽地作出,即視為真誠地作出。 (由2000年第28號第37條增補)
        1. (1) 判定債務人的財產可在執行判決時予以扣押並出售,但以下的財產則除外—
          1. (a) 《公司條例》(第32章)第29條所指的任何私人公司的資本或合股中的股份;
          2. (b) 除(c)段另有規定外,判定債務人的謀生工具(如有的話);及
          3. (c)判定債務人及受其供養而又與其同住的家人所需用的衣物及寢具,總值(包括謀生工具、衣物及寢具)不超逾$10000者。
    1. 除第(5)款另有規定外,由負責強制執行任何執行令狀的執達主任從執行債務人檢取所得的任何物品,如在無人就其提出申索的情況下由該執達主任出售,其購買人即取得該等物品的妥善所
    2. 有權。
    1. 凡執達主任或任何在執達主任授權下合法行事的人在接獲對上述物品的申索前,將該等物品出售或將出售該等物品所得收益付給他人,任何人均無權就該項出售或付給而針對該執達主任或該名行事的人作出追討,但在以下情況下則屬例外—
      1. (a) 《破產條例》(第6章)第46條所規定的情況;或
      2. (b)被追討的人經證明為已知悉或本可藉作出合理查詢而確定該等物品並非屬有關執行債務人的財產。
  3. 如任何申索人可證明在任何被如此檢取並出售的物品出售時,他對該等物品擁有所有權,則本條並不影響該申索人向執達主任或購買人以外的任何人申索補救的權利。
條: 68A 針對物品的執行令狀的效力 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
條: 68B 在執行判決時出售財產 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

(5)區域法院可在符合法院規則的情況下,以出售過程有具關鍵性的不符合規定之處為理由,

將在執行某判決時任何不動產的出售作廢。 (由2000年第28號第37條增補)

附註:有關《立法會決議》(2007年第130號法律公告)所作之修訂的保留及過渡性條文,見載於該決議第(12)段。

    1. 凡出租人在區域法院藉訴訟着手針對承租人欠交租金而就任何土地強制執行重收權或沒收租賃權,則本條在不抵觸第(1A)款的條文下具有效力。 (由2002年第32號第40條修訂)
    2. (1A)如在租契的租期內,本條的施行曾令出租人不能針對承租人強制執行第(1)款所述的權利,則在該租期內,本條不得再次施行而令該出租人不能針對該承租人行使該權利;但如法庭信納有好的因由應施行本條以使承租人得益,則不在此限。 (由2002年第32號第40條增補)
  1. 如承租人在法院規則所訂明的令狀送達認收限期內將全部欠租及訴訟的訟費繳存於法院,則該訴訟即終止。該承租人在沒有新租契的情況下按照有關租契持有有關土地。
    1. 如區域法院在審訊時信納出租人有權強制執行重收權或沒收租賃權,則區域法院須命令將該土地的管有在區域法院認為適合的限期(不得少於自命令的日期起計的7天)屆滿時交給出租人。(由2002年第32號第40條修訂)
    2. (3A)發展局局長可藉憲報公告修訂第(3)款指明的日數,以另一日數取代該日數。 (由2002年第32號第40條增補。由2007年第130號法律公告修訂)
  2. 如承租人在命令管有的日期前將全部欠租以及區域法院就該訴訟的訟費所指示的款項繳存於法院,則管有命令即告失效。承租人在沒有新租契的情況下按照有關租契持有有關土地。
  3. 在根據管有命令收回土地的管有之前,區域法院可隨時延展該命令所指明的限期。第(7)款並不影響區域法院在本款下的權力。

(6) 如出租人在同一訴訟中—

(a) 除以因欠交租金為理由外,亦以其他理由着手強制執行重收權或沒收租賃權;或
(b)除着手強制執行重收權或沒收租賃權以及欠租的申索外,亦着手強制執行任何其他申

索, 則有關訴訟、命令或管有令狀並不因款項根據本條繳存法院而失效。

  1. 如承租人沒有在管有命令所准許的限期內,將全部欠租及就訴訟的訟費所指示須繳付的款項繳存於法院,則管有命令可予以強制執行。只要該命令未被推翻,承租人即被禁止獲得任何濟助。
  2. 在命令所指的限期屆滿後但管有可取得之前,如區域法院延展該限期,則區域法院須在該延展限期內暫停執行該土地管有令狀。如承租人在該延展限期屆滿前,將全部欠租及就訴訟的訟費

所指示須繳付的款項繳存於法院,則區域法院須取消該令狀。

(9) 本條並不影響—

(a) 區域法院在被告人沒有發出擬抗辯通知書的情況下登錄最終判決的權力;
(b)區域法院作出其本會有權以欠交租金以外的任何理由就重收權或沒收租賃權作出的命令的權力;或
(c) 《物業轉易及財產條例》(第219章)第58(4)條。(由2000年第28號第38條代替)
條: 69A 送達令狀以代替索取租金 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

在第69條具有效力的情況下,如—

(a) 在訴訟展開時已拖欠半年租金;
(b) 出租人因該筆租金的欠交而有重收權;及
(c) 在處所內尋獲的扣押財物不足以作為當時到期的欠租的保證,

則以訂明方式送達訴訟令狀,即代替索取租金及重收。 (由2000年第28號第38條增補)

條: 69B 對因欠交租金而藉重收沒收租賃權的濟助 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

(1)凡出租人在不經訴訟的情況下,就任何土地藉重收針對承租人強制執行重收權或沒收租賃權,而該土地按照《差餉條例》(第116章)的條文所確定的應課差餉租值不超逾$240000,則本條即具有效力。

(2)在自出租人重收的日期起計的6個月內,承租人可隨時向區域法院申請濟助,而區域法院可

應任何該等申請,向承租人授予原訟法庭本可授予的濟助。 (由2000年第28號第38條增補)

條: 69C 本條以及第 6969A69B條的釋義與適用範圍 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
    1. (1) 在本條以及第69、69A及69B條中— “分租租契”(under-lease) 在承轉租人已有權獲批給其分租租契的情況下,包括分租租契協議; “出租人”(lessor) 包括—
    2. (a) 原本或派生的分租人;及
    1. (b) 透過出租人取得業權的人; “承租人”(lessee) 包括—
    2. (a) 原本或派生的承轉租人;及
    1. (b) 透過承租人取得業權的人; “承轉租人”(under-lessee) 包括任何透過承轉租人取得業權的人; “租契”(lease) 包括—
    2. (a) 原本或派生的分租租契;及
  1. (b) (如承租人已有權獲批給其租契)租契協議; “審訊”(trial) 包括申請作出簡易判決的聆訊。

(2) 第69或69B條並不影響《政府土地權(重收及轉歸補救)條例》(第126章)的條文。 (由2000年第28號第38條增補)

條: 70 律師 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

獲認許在高等法院執業的律師,是區域法院人員,並受區域法院的司法管轄權所規限,規限範圍與他在原訟法庭所受規限的範圍相同。 (由2000年第28號第39條代替)

條: 71 法官的保障 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
  1. 法官在執行其職責時所作的任何作為,如未經上訴法庭在向其提出的上訴中撤銷或被區域法院撤銷,則不得就該作為針對該法官提出訴訟。 (由1998年第25號第2條修訂;由2000年第28號第48條修訂)
  2. 就法官司法管轄權範圍內的任何事宜的訴訟,除非明示指稱作為是惡意作出兼且沒有合理及頗能成立的因由的,否則不得提出訴訟,而在該訴訟中,原告人須負上證明該作為是如此作出的舉證責任。
  3. 就法官在法律上並無司法管轄權或已超逾本條例或任何其他成文法則所賦予他的司法管轄權的任何事宜的訴訟,如能證明被申訴的作為並非惡意作出兼且沒有合理或頗能成立的因由的,即為好的免責辯護,而法官須負上證明該作為並不是如此的舉證責任。
  4. 除根據及按照本條的規定外,不得就法官在法律上並無司法管轄權或已超逾本條例或任何其他成文法則所賦予他的司法管轄權的一項事宜上所作的任何作為,在任何的民事法庭提出針對該法官的訴訟。

(將1962年第22號第47條編入)

條: 71A 司法常務官可申請命令 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

司法常務官在有疑問或困難時,可循簡易程序向區域法院申請給予執達主任指示及指引的命令,而區域法院可就有關事宜作出看來是公正合理的命令。 (由2000年第28號第40條增補)

條: 71B 對司法常務官的保障 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
    1. (1) 不得因以下事宜而針對司法常務官提出訴訟─
      1. (a) 任何執達主任在沒有司法常務官的指示下作出或沒有作出的任何作為;或
        1. (b) 就法律程序文件的執行或不執行而給予任何執達主任的任何指示,而─
          1. (i) 該等指示是符合區域法院根據第71A條作出的命令;及
          2. (ii) 司法常務官並無故意對任何具關鍵性的事實作出失實陳述或加以隱瞞。
  1. (2) 在本條中,“司法常務官”(Registrar) 包括聆案官。 (由2000年第28號第40條增補)
    1. (1) 規則委員會可訂立法院規則,以規管和訂明—
      1. (a) 區域法院的程序,包括作訴的方法;
      2. (b) 須在區域法院依循的常規;
      3. (c) 須在區域法院登記處依循的程序及常規;及
      4. (d) 該等程序或常規所附帶引起的任何事宜。
    1. (2) 在不局限第(1)款的一般性質的原則下,法院規則可為以下目的而訂立─
      1. (a)訂明法律程序在區域法院與原訟法庭之間以及在區域法院與土地審裁處之間移交的程序; (由2008年第3號第46條修訂)
      2. (b)訂明可由司法常務官行使的區域法院司法管轄權(包括針對在行使該司法管轄權時所作的決定而提出上訴的規定);
      3. (c) 規管關乎在區域法院進行的法律程序(包括與遺產管理及信託管理有關的法律程序)的費用及訟費的事宜以及該等法律程序所附帶引起的事宜;
      4. (d)訂明在何種情況下,在某宗訟案或事宜上有利害關係但缺席的人須受所作出的命令約束;
        1. (e) 規管區域法院法律程序文件的執行,包括─
          1. (i) 禁止判定債務人及民事申索所針對的人離開香港,並命令在訂明的情況下向他們支付補償;
          2. (ii) 命令判定債務人或屬法團的判定債務人的高級人員出庭以接受訊問,並命令對其進行訊問;及
          3. (iii) 逮捕和監禁判定債務人;
        1. (f) 規定凡有需要將一份已送交區域法院登記處存檔或由該登記處保管的文件向在區域法院以外地方開庭的任何法庭或審裁處(包括公斷人或仲裁員)交出─
          1. (i) 任何人員(不論有否就此而獲送達傳召出庭令)均無須為交出該份文件而出庭;但
          2. (ii) 可將該份文件以法院規則所訂明的方式,送交該法庭或審裁處而向該法庭或審裁處交出,並須附同一份採用法院規則所訂明的格式的證明書,證明該份文件已送交該登記處存檔或正由該登記處保管,
條: 72 法院規則 L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009

而任何該等證明書,即為其中所述事實的表面證據。

  1. 根據本條訂立法院規則的權力,包括就由政府提起或針對政府提起的法律程序而訂立規則的權力。
  2. 根據本條訂立的法院規則,適用於所有由政府提起或針對政府提起的法律程序,但以該等規則有明文表示如此適用者為限。

(5) 法官在行使其酌情決定權時,可豁免任何一方遵守任何規則。 (由2000年第28號第41條代替)

規則委員會可就以下事宜訂立法院規則─

(a)在未有授予遺囑認證或遺產管理的情況下,以委任某人代表死者遺產的方式或以其他方式,針對死者遺產而展開的法律程序;
(b)看來是已由已去世的人展開或針對該人展開的法律程序,視作由該人遺產展開或針對該人遺產展開,不論遺囑認證或遺產管理是否已在該法律程序展開前授予;及
(c)任何由死者遺產或針對死者遺產在區域法院展開或視作如此展開的法律程序,由獲委任代表死者的人繼續進行或針對該人繼續進行(不論是藉代入法律程序各方、修訂或其他方式),或在有遺囑認證或遺產管理授予的情況下,由死者的遺產代理人繼續進行或針對該人繼續進行(視屬何情況而定)。

(由2000年第28號第41條增補)

(1) 規則委員會可就以下事宜訂立法院規則─

(a) 某些特定事實的證明方法;
(b) 提出該等事實的證據的方式;
(c) 規限提出專家口頭證據所受規限的條件。
  1. 在為施行根據本條訂立的任何規則而決定某人是否適合出庭作為證人時,區域法院可按照一份看來是由註冊醫生發出的證明書行事。
    1. 為待決的或預計進行的民事法律程序而擬備的文件,或與法律意見的取得或給予有關而擬備的文件,即使根據任何成文法則或法律規則在某些情況下享有免予披露的特權,根據本條訂立的規則仍可─
      1. (a)使區域法院能在民事法律程序中,指示某一方須在該指示所指明的日期(或根據規則而准許或議定的較後日期)或之前,向其他各方披露其擬在審訊中援引作為其案的一部分的專家證據;及
      2. (b)禁止沒有遵從根據(a)段所訂立的規則作出的指示的一方,根據《證據條例》(第8章)第IV部援引與該指示所指明的事宜有關的任何專家報告作為證據,但經區域法院許可者不在此限。
    1. 在不損害第(1)(c)款的一般性質的原則下,根據該段訂立的規則可禁止沒有遵從根據第(3)(b)款訂立的規則所作出的指示的一方,援引與該指示所指明的事宜有關的任何專家口頭證據,但經區域法院許可者不在此限。
    2. (5) 根據本條訂立的規則,可就─
      1. (a) 不同類別的案件;
      2. (b) 涉及不同類別事宜的專家報告;及
  2. (c) 其他不同情況, 作出不同的規定。

(6) 在本條中,凡提述一份專家報告,即提述一份由有資格(或如在生則會有資格)就某些事宜提

供專家證據的人純粹或主要就該等事宜而擬備的書面報告。 (由2000年第28號第41條增補)

(1) 在本條中─ “訂明的保證物”(prescribed securities) 指屬根據本條訂立的法院規則所訂明種類的保證物(包括存於法院的儲存金); “停止令”(stop order)指區域法院作出的,禁止就該命令所指明的任何保證物採取第(4)款所述的任何步驟的命令;

“停止通知書”(stop notice)指一份作出以下規定的通知書:獲送達該通知書的人,不得在未有預先通知送達該通知書的人或由他人代為送達該通知書的人的情況下,就該通知書所指明的任何保證物採取第(4)款所述的任何步驟。

    1. (2) 規則委員會可就以下事宜訂立法院規則─
      1. (a) 區域法院應任何聲稱有權享有訂明的保證物的權益的人的申請作出停止令;及
      2. (b) 由任何聲稱有權享有訂明的保證物的權益的人送達停止通知書。
  1. (3) 根據本條訂立的法院規則,須訂明停止令或停止通知書的文本須送達予何人。
    1. (4) 第(1)款所述的步驟─
      1. (a) 是登記有關保證物的任何轉移;
      2. (b)就存於法院的儲存金而言,是轉移、交付、支付或以其他方式處理儲存金或儲存金所產生的入息;
      3. (c) 是就有關保證物而支付股息、利息或其他款項;及
      4. (d) 就單位信託而言,是根據該信託行使職能的人或團體取得或以其他方式處理該單位。
  2. 根據本條訂立的規則,可包括規則委員會認為合宜的附帶、補充及相應條文,並可就不同

案件或不同類別的案件,作出不同的規定。 (由2000年第28號第41條增補)

條: 72CA 關於訟費及利息的規則 L.N. 18 of 2009 02/04/2009
    1. 儘管有第50及53條的規定,規則委員會可訂立法院規則,使司法常務官可在該等規則指明的情況下—
      1. (a) 否決任何依據區域法院作出的訟費命令而評定的全部或部分訟費;
      2. (b)否決本須根據第50條就經評定的訟費而支付的利息的全部或部分,或縮短須為之支付該等利息的期間或調低第50條訂明的該等須予支付的利息的利率;及
      3. (c) 調高第50條訂明的須就經評定的訟費或評定費支付的利息的利率。
      1. (2) 根據本條訂立的規則可包括規則委員會認為合宜的附帶、補充及相應條文。
      2. (3) 在本條中,“司法常務官”(Registrar) 包括聆案官。 (由2008年第3號第34條增補)
  1. 規則委員會可訂立法院規則,訂明區域法院可在何種情況下命令待決的法律程序的一方作出一筆該命令所指明款額的中期付款,付款方法是將款項繳存法院或(如該命令有此規定)付給該法律程序的另一方。
    1. 根據第(1)款訂立的規則,可使已根據命令作出中期付款的法律程序的一方,能在根據該等規則決定的情況下,向根據該等規則決定的該法律程序的某一方追討該中期付款的全部或部分款額。
      1. (3) 根據本條訂立的規則,可包括規則委員會認為合宜的附帶、補充及相應條文。
      2. (4) 本條並不影響關乎訟費的任何權力(包括訂立關乎訟費的法院規則的任何權力)的行使。
  2. 在本條中,“中期付款”(interim payment)指因任何損害賠償、債項或其他款項(不包括訟費)而作出的付款,而該筆付款是區域法院於在該法律程序中作出的對另一方有利的最終判決或命令的情況下,可能裁定該法律程序的一方有法律責任支付予該另一方或為使該另一方得益而支付者。
條: 72D 中期付款的命令 28 of 2000 19/05/2000

(6)在本條所適用的按照《官方法律程序條例》(第300章)可由政府提出或可針對政府提出的任

何法律程序的範圍內,本條對政府具有約束力。 (由2000年第28號第41條增補)

條: 72E 就人身傷害作出臨時損害賠償的命令 28 of 2000 19/05/2000
  1. 凡在某訴訟中有人為人身傷害而提出申索,而在該訴訟的法律程序中已證明或接納傷者有機會在將來因引致訴訟因由的作為或不作為而罹患某種嚴重疾病或在身體或精神方面出現某種嚴重惡化情況,本條適用於該法律程序。
    1. 規則委員會可訂立規則,使區域法院於在本條所適用的案件中作出判決時,能將以下的損害賠償判給傷者─
      1. (a) 基於傷者不會罹患該種疾病或出現該種惡化情況的假定而評估的損害賠償;及
      2. (b)在傷者日後罹患該種疾病或出現該種惡化情況時會在將來的某日期獲得進一步損害賠償。

(3)根據本條訂立的規則,可包括規則委員會認為合宜的附帶、補充及相應條文,並可規定傷者有權選擇是否接受根據該等規則所評估的損害賠償的判給。

(4) 本條並不─

(a) 影響關乎訟費的權力(包括訂立關乎訟費的法院規則的權力)的行使;或
(b)損害區域法院根據任何成文法則或法律規則減低或限制損害賠償總額的責任,而該損

害賠償總額是在假使沒有該責任的情況下本可追討的。 (由2000年第28號第41條增補)

條: 73 訴訟人儲存金規則 10 of 2005 08/07/2005
    1. (1) 高等法院首席法官可訂立規則,規管─ (由2005年第10號第18條修訂)
      1. (a)訴訟人的款項、保證物及動產的存放、繳付、交付、在區域法院中轉撥或轉入區域法院或由區域法院轉出;
      2. (b)上述存放、繳付、交付或轉移的證據,和以存於法院的款項、保證物及動產作投資或作其他方式的處理;
      3. (c) 區域法院命令的執行;及
      4. (d) 司法常務官就該等款項、保證物及動產而具有的權力及職責。
    1. (2) 在不損害第(1)款的一般性質的原則下,根據本條訂立的規則,可就以下事宜作出規定─
      1. (a)規管存放於法院的款項的存入及提取,以及存放的款項的利息的支付或將利息記入貸方;
      2. (b) 釐定所存放的款項的最低款額,而該等款項的利息須記入該等款項所屬帳戶的貸方;
      3. (c) 決定存放的款項何時開始和停止衍生利息,以及該等利息的計算方法;
      4. (d) 決定存放的款項在何種情況下開始和停止衍生利息,以及該筆利息的計算方法;
      5. (e)決定存放的款項的利息及存於司法常務官名下的保證物的股息,在何種情況下須予以存放;及
      6. (f)處置存於法院而無人申索的款項(無遺囑者遺產的餘款除外),或存於根據《破產條例》

(第6章)第128條設立的破產人產業帳戶而無人申索的款項。 (由2000年第28號第41條代替)

條: 73A 司法管轄權限及其他款額的修訂 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

在第32、33、35、36、37、49、52、68B及69B條中述及的款額,可藉立法會決議修訂。 (由2000年第28號第42條代替)

條: 73B 關於根據《性別歧視條例》而具有的司法管轄權的規則 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
  1. 規則委員會可訂立規則,對區域法院行使根據《性別歧視條例》(第480章)其司法管轄權方面的常規作規管,以及規管有關的法律程序的形式。
    1. 根據第(1)款訂立規則的權力須擴及至程序上或常規上的所有事宜或涉及或關於區域法院審理權範圍以內的任何案件中的程序或常規在法律上的效力或運作的事宜,一如高等法院的規則已就或可能就高等法院審理權範圍以內的案件的前述有關事宜而訂立一樣,該權力並包括就以下事宜訂立規則的權力─
      1. (a) 由政府進行或針對政府進行的法律程序; (由1998年第25號第2條修訂)
      2. (b) 在區域法院的法律程序中可出庭、進行法律程序、抗辯和向法庭陳詞的人;
      3. (c)對於根據《性別歧視條例》(第480章)第89條所訂立的規例適用的法律程序,就區域法院的該等法律程序訂立特別條文。
    1. 區域法院根據《性別歧視條例》(第480章)行使其司法管轄權的法律程序的每一方須各自負擔其訟費,但如區域法院基於以下理由另作命令,則屬例外─
      1. (a) 法律程序的提出是出於惡意或瑣屑無聊;或
      2. (b) 有特別情況令判給訟費合乎理由。
    1. 在不損害第(1)及(2)款的條文的一般性的原則下,根據本條訂立規則的權力須擴及至以下事宜─
      1. (a) 訂明某地方或某些地方為進行與本條有關的法律程序的地點;
      2. (b)規定於上述地點開庭的法官在規則指明的範圍內須優先聆訊和處置與本條有關的法律程序;
        1. (c)賦予任何上述法官權力,在法律程序的任何階段主動命令將符合以下情況的申索移交下述的審裁處─
          1. (i) 屬區域法院司法管轄權範圍以外;並
          2. (ii) 屬《勞資審裁處條例》(第25條)所指的審裁處的司法管轄權範圍以內。
  2. 區域法院根據《性別歧視條例》(第480章)行使其司法管轄權時不受證據規則約束,並可在適當顧及區域法院的法律程序各方有獲得公平聆訊的權利、對有關案件的主要是非曲直作裁定的需要以及對各方之間爭議的事宜須迅速作聆訊的需要後,以其認為適合的方式獲悉任何事宜。
  3. 除第(5)款另有規定外,按照本條的條文而訂立的規則,在區域法院的法律程序方面,可就關乎任何事宜的證明或任何事宜的收取或接納為證據的法律規則或常規,加以變通。
  4. 按照本條的條文訂立的規則,除非明言是適用於由政府進行或針對政府進行的法律程序的,否則對該等程序均不適用。 (由1998年第25號第2條修訂)

(8) 現聲明─

(a) 除(c)段另有規定外,本條本身並不阻止─
(i) 以下任何規則的訂立─
(A) 根據本條例任何另外一條的條文而訂立的規則;及
(B)全部或部分與憑藉《性別歧視條例》(第480章)所賦予區域法院的司法管轄權有關的規則;
(ii) 根據本條例任何另外一條的條文所訂立的規則適用於上述司法管轄權以及就上述司法管轄權而適用;
(b) 凡─
(i) 根據第(2)(b)款訂立的規則;及
(ii) 對各類可在區域法院的法律程序中出庭、進行法律程序、抗辯和向法庭陳詞的人

作規管的法律及常規, 互有任何衝突或抵觸,則 在上述的衝突或抵觸(視屬何情況而定)的範圍內,該等規則須凌駕於該法律及常規;

(c)凡根據本條的條文所訂立的規則與根據本條例另外一條的條文所訂立的規則互有衝突或抵觸,則在上述的衝突或抵觸(視屬何情況而定)的範圍內,該等首述規則須凌駕於該等其次所述的規則。

(9)為免生疑問,現宣布按照本條所訂立的規則不得賦予區域法院權力對任何涉及超越其司法

管轄權的申索的法律程序作聆訊及裁定。 (由1995年第67號第91條增補。由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

  1. 規則委員會可訂立規則,對區域法院行使根據《殘疾歧視條例》(第487章)其司法管轄權方面的常規作規管,以及規管有關的法律程序的形式。
    1. 根據第(1)款訂立規則的權力須擴及至程序上或常規上的所有事宜或涉及或關於區域法院審理權範圍以內的任何案件中的程序或常規在法律上的效力或運作的事宜,一如高等法院的規則已就或可能就高等法院審理權範圍以內的案件的前述有關事宜而訂立一樣,該權力並包括就以下事宜訂立規則的權力─
      1. (a) 由政府進行或針對政府進行的法律程序; (由1998年第25號第2條修訂)
      2. (b) 在區域法院的法律程序中可出庭、進行法律程序、抗辯和向法庭陳詞的人;
      3. (c)對於根據《殘疾歧視條例》(第487章)第86條所訂立的規例適用的法律程序,就區域法院的該等法律程序訂立特別條文。
    1. 區域法院根據《殘疾歧視條例》(第487章)行使其司法管轄權的法律程序的每一方須各自負擔其訟費,但如區域法院基於以下理由另作命令,則屬例外─
      1. (a) 法律程序的提出是出於惡意或瑣屑無聊;或
      2. (b) 有特別情況令判給訟費合乎理由。
    1. 在不損害第(1)及(2)款的條文的一般性的原則下,根據本條訂立規則的權力須擴及至以下事項─
      1. (a) 訂明某地方或某些地方為進行與本條有關的法律程序的地點;
      2. (b)規定於上述地點開庭的法官在規則指明的範圍內須優先聆訊和處置與本條有關的法律程序;
        1. (c)賦予任何上述法官權力,在法律程序的任何階段主動命令將符合以下情況的申索移交下述的審裁處─
          1. (i) 屬區域法院司法管轄權範圍以外;並
          2. (ii) 屬《勞資審裁處條例》(第25條)所指的審裁處的司法管轄權範圍以內。
  2. 區域法院根據《殘疾歧視條例》(第487章)行使其司法管轄權時不受證據規則約束,並可在適當顧及區域法院的法律程序各方有獲得公平聆訊的權利、對有關案件的主要是非曲直作裁定的需要以及對各方之間爭議的事宜須迅速作聆訊的需要後,以其認為適合的方式獲悉任何事宜。
  3. 除第(5)款另有規定外,按照本條的條文而訂立的規則,在區域法院的法律程序方面,可就關乎任何事宜的證明或任何事宜的收取或接納為證據的法律規則或常規,加以變通。
  4. 按照本條的條文訂立的規則,除非明言是適用於由政府進行或針對政府進行的法律程序的,否則對該等程序均不適用。 (由1998年第25號第2條修訂)

(8) 現聲明─

(a) 除(c)段另有規定外,本條本身並不阻止─
(i) 以下任何規則的訂立─
(A) 根據本條例任何另外一條的條文而訂立的規則;及
(B)全部或部分與憑藉《殘疾歧視條例》(第487章)所賦予區域法院的司法管轄權有關的規則;
(ii) 根據本條例任何另外一條的條文所訂立的規則適用於上述司法管轄權以及就上述司法管轄權而適用;
(b) 凡─
(i) 根據第(2)(b)款訂立的規則;及
(ii) 對各類可在區域法院的法律程序中出庭、進行法律程序、抗辯和向法庭陳詞的人

作規管的法律及常規, 互有任何衝突或扺觸,則在上述的衝突或扺觸(視屬何情況而定)的範圍內,該等規則須凌駕於該法律及常規;

(c)凡根據本條的條文所訂立的規則與根據本條例另外一條的條文所訂立的規則互有衝突或扺觸,則在上述的衝突或扺觸(視屬何情況而定)的範圍內,該等首述規則須凌駕於該等其次所述的規則。

(9)為免生疑問,現宣布按照本條所訂立的規則不得賦予區域法院權力對任何涉及超越其司法

管轄權的申索的法律程序作聆訊及裁定。 (由1995年第86號第88條增補。由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

  1. 規則委員會可訂立規則,對區域法院行使根據《家庭崗位歧視條例》(第527章)其司法管轄權方面的常規作規管,以及規管有關的法律程序的形式。
    1. 根據第(1)款訂立規則的權力須擴及至程序上或常規上的所有事宜或涉及或關於區域法院審理權範圍以內的任何案件中的程序或常規在法律上的效力或運作的事宜,一如高等法院的規則已就或可能就高等法院審理權範圍以內的案件的前述有關事宜而訂立一樣,該權力並包括就以下事宜訂立規則的權力─ (由2000年第28號第48條修訂)
      1. (a) 由政府進行或針對政府進行的法律程序; (由1998年第25號第2條修訂)
      2. (b) 可在區域法院的法律程序中出庭、進行法律程序、抗辯和向法庭陳詞的人;
      3. (c)對於根據《家庭崗位歧視條例》(第527章)第67條所訂立的規例適用的法律程序,就區域法院的該等法律程序訂立特別條文。
    1. 區域法院根據《家庭崗位歧視條例》(第527章)行使其司法管轄權的法律程序的每一方須各自負擔其訟費,但如區域法院基於以下理由另作命令,則屬例外─ (由2000年第28號第48條修訂)
      1. (a) 法律程序的提出是出於惡意或瑣屑無聊;或
      2. (b) 有特別情況令判給訟費合乎理由。
    1. 在不損害第(1)及(2)款的條文的一般性的原則下,根據本條訂立規則的權力須擴及至以下事宜─
      1. (a) 訂明某個或多於一個地方為進行與本條有關的法律程序的地點;
      2. (b)規定於上述地點開庭的法官在規則指明的範圍內須優先聆訊和處置與本條有關的法律程序;
        1. (c)賦予任何上述法官權力,在法律程序的任何階段主動命令將符合以下情況的申索移交下述的審裁處─
          1. (i) 屬區域法院司法管轄權範圍以外;及
          2. (ii) 屬《勞資審裁處條例》(第25條)所指的審裁處的司法管轄權範圍以內。
  2. 區域法院根據《家庭崗位歧視條例》(第527章)行使其司法管轄權時不受證據規則約束,並可在適當顧及區域法院的法律程序各方有獲得公平聆訊的權利、對有關案件的主要是非曲直作裁定的需要以及對各方之間爭議的事宜須迅速作聆訊的需要後,以其認為適合的方式獲悉任何事宜。
  3. 除第(5)款另有規定外,按照本條的條文而訂立的規則,在區域法院的法律程序方面,可就關乎任何事宜的證明或任何事宜的收取或接納為證據的法律規則或常規,加以變通。
  4. 按照本條的條文訂立的規則,除非明言是適用於由政府進行或針對政府進行的法律程序的,否則對該等法律程序均不適用。 (由1998年第25號第2條修訂)

(8) 現宣布─

(a) 除(c)段另有規定外,本條本身並不阻止─
(i) 以下任何規則的訂立─
(A) 根據本條例任何另外一條的條文而訂立的規則;及
(B)全部或部分與憑藉《家庭崗位歧視條例》(第527章)所授予區域法院的司法管轄權有關的規則;
(ii) 根據本條例任何另外一條的條文所訂立的規則適用於上述司法管轄權以及就上述司法管轄權而適用;
(b) 凡─
(i) 根據第(2)(b)款訂立的規則;及
(ii) 對各類可在區域法院的法律程序中出庭、進行法律程序、抗辯和向法庭陳詞的人

作規管的法律及常規, 互有任何衝突或扺觸,則 在上述的衝突或扺觸(視屬何情況而定)的範圍內,該等規則須凌駕於該法律及常規;

(c)凡根據本條的條文所訂立的規則與根據本條例另外一條 的條文所訂立的規則互有衝突或扺觸,則在上述的衝突或扺觸(視屬何情況而定)的範圍內,該等首述規則須凌駕於該等其次所述的規則。

(9)為免生疑問,現宣布按照本條所訂立的規則不得賦予區域法院權力對任何涉及超越其司法

管轄權的申索的法律程序作聆訊及裁定。 (由1997年第91號第69條增補。由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

    1. 規則委員會可訂立規則,規管區域法院根據《種族歧視條例》(第602章)行使其司法管轄權方面的常規,以及規管在區域法院的法律程序的形式。
    2. (2) 根據第(1)款訂立規則的權力—
        1. (a) 須擴及至—
          1. (i) 程序上或常規上的所有事宜;及
          2. (ii) 涉及或關於區域法院審理權範圍以內的任何案件中任何程序或常規在法律上的效力或運作的事宜,而前述事宜是指已就或可能就高等法院審理權範圍以內的案件訂立高等法院的規則的相同事宜;並
        1. (b) 包括就以下事宜訂立規則的權力—
          1. (i) 由政府進行或針對政府進行的法律程序;
          2. (ii) 哪些人士可在區域法院的法律程序中出庭、進行法律程序、抗辯和向法庭陳詞;
          3. (iii) 就根據《種族歧視條例》(第602章)第83條訂立的規例所適用的任何在區域法院進行的法律程序,訂立特別條文。
    1. 在根據《種族歧視條例》(第602章)行使司法管轄權的區域法院進行的法律程序的每一方,須各自負擔其訟費,但如區域法院基於以下理由另作命令,則屬例外—
      1. (a) 提起法律程序是出於惡意或瑣屑無聊;或
      2. (b) 有特殊情況支持判給訟費。
    1. 在不損害第(1)及(2)款的條文的一般性的原則下,根據本條訂立規則的權力須擴及至以下事宜—
      1. (a) 訂明某個或多於一個地方為進行與本條有關的法律程序的地點;
      2. (b)規定於上述地點開庭的法官在規則指明的範圍內,須優先聆訊和處置與本條有關的法律程序;
        1. (c)賦權予任何上述法官,在法律程序的任何階段主動命令將任何符合以下說明的申索移交《勞資審裁處條例》(第25章)所指的審裁處—
          1. (i) 屬區域法院的司法管轄權範圍以外;並
          2. (ii) 屬該審裁處的司法管轄權範圍以內。
    2. (5) 區域法院根據《種族歧視條例》(第602章)行使其司法管轄權時—
      1. (a) 不受證據規則約束;並
        1. (b) 可在適當顧及以下事宜後,以它認為合適的方式獲悉任何事宜—
          1. (i) 在區域法院的法律程序中各方有獲得公平聆訊的權利;
          2. (ii) 對有關案件的主要是非曲直作裁定的需要;及
          3. (iii) 對各方之間爭議的事宜須迅速作聆訊的需要。
  1. 在不抵觸第(5)款的條文下,按照本條的條文而訂立的規則,可在區域法院的法律程序方面,將關乎任何事宜的證明或任何事宜的收取或接納為證據的法律規則或常規,加以變通。
  2. 除非按照本條的條文訂立的規則表明其意是適用於由政府進行或針對政府進行的法律程序,否則該等規則不適用於該等法律程序。

(8) 現宣布—

(a) 在(c)段的規限下,本條本身—
(i) 並不阻止訂立符合以下說明的規則—
(A) 根據本條例任何其他條文訂立的;及
(B)全部或局部關乎憑藉《種族歧視條例》(第602章)所授予區域法院的司法管轄權;及
(ii) 並不阻止根據本條例任何其他條文訂立的規則適用於上述司法管轄權,以及就上述司法管轄權而適用;
(b) 凡—
(i) 根據第(2)(b)款訂立的規則;與
(ii) 規管哪些人士可在區域法院的法律程序中出庭、進行法律程序、抗辯和向法庭陳

詞的法律規則及常規, 互有任何衝突或抵觸,則在上述的衝突或抵觸(視屬何情況而定)的範圍內,該等規則須凌駕於該項法律規則及常規;

(c)凡根據本條的條文訂立的規則,與根據本條例其他條文訂立的規則互有任何衝突或抵觸,則在上述的衝突或抵觸(視屬何情況而定)的範圍內,該等首述的規則須凌駕於該等次述的規則。

(9)為免生疑問,現宣布按照本條訂立的規則,不得賦權予區域法院,對任何涉及超越其司法

管轄權的申索的法律程序進行聆訊和作出裁定。 (由2008年第29號第88條增補)

第V部

刑事司法管轄權

區域法院具有司法管轄權按照本條例的條文,聆訊和裁定所有由律政司司長根據第75條的條文

合法提出的一切控罪以及依據《勞資審裁處條例》(第25章)第41條可由區域法院處置的罪行。 (將1953年第1號第24條編入。由1962年第21號第13條修訂;由1972年第16號第48條修訂;由1997年第362號法律公告修訂;由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

    1. 凡控罪或申訴經裁判官按照《裁判官條例》(第227章)第IV部的條文移交區域法院,則對於涉及該控罪或申訴所指稱的罪行的所有法律程序,區域法院均具有司法管轄權及權力,而該司法管轄權及權力與假若被控人交付原訟法庭循公訴程序審訊時,原訟法庭所具有的權力類似;但本條不得當作為賦予司法管轄權以就此等控罪或申訴作聆訊和裁定。 (由1962年第21號第13條修訂;由1970年第16號附表修訂)
    2. (1A)凡任何公訴法律程序根據《刑事訴訟程序條例》(第221章)第65F條移交區域法院,則對於涉及公訴書中所指稱罪行的所有法律程序,區域法院均具有司法管轄權及權力,而該司法管轄權及權力與原訟法庭在該法律程序假若沒有如此移交的情況下所具有的權力類似;但本條不得當作為賦予司法管轄權以就此等的控罪或申訴作聆訊和裁定。 (由1992年第59號第10條增補)
    1. 凡控罪或申訴或公訴法律程序根據第(1)或(1A)款移交,則除非律政司司長提出中止檢控,否則須將列出針對被控人提出控罪的控罪書交付司法常務官,而該控罪可指稱被控人犯了並沒有包括在《裁判官條例》(第227章)附表2第III部指明的任何類別之內的可公訴罪行,及任何僅可循簡易程序審訊的罪行,不論該罪行是否已包括在將該控罪或申訴或公訴法律程序(視屬何情況而定)移交區域法院的命令之內。 (由1970年第16號附表修訂;由1972年第25號第3條修訂;由1992年第59號第10條修訂;由1997年第362號法律公告修訂;由2000年第28號第46條修訂)
    2. (3) 第(2)款所提述的控罪書在涉及─
    3. (a) 控罪或申訴的移交的情況下,須在移交令的日期後14天內交付;及
  1. (b) 公訴法律程序的移交的情況下,須在移交令的日期後21天內交付, 或在區域法院於任何個別個案中應代表律政司司長提出的申請而准許的其他期間內交付。 (由1992年第59號第10條代替。由1997年第362號法律公告修訂)
    1. 凡在根據《刑事訴訟程序條例》(第221章)第65F條移交的任何公訴法律程序中,控罪書沒有在第(3)(b)款所指明的期間內或根據第(3)款所准許的延展期間內交付─
      1. (a)則在根據《刑事訴訟程序條例》(第221章)第65F(5)條指定被控人須到區域法院或被帶到區域法院席前的日期,區域法院須自行指示,如該日期已押後,則在該押後日期自行指示;或
      2. (b)如在(a)段所提述的指定日期前,或如該日期已押後,則在該押後日期前,被控人以控

罪書沒有按第(3)款的規定交付為理由而向法官申請釋放,則法官須指示, 就已移交的法律程序所關的控罪而言,被控人須獲釋放。 (由1992年第59號第10條增補)

(5) 根據第(4)款作出的釋放,須當作為裁定無罪。 (由1992年第59號第10條增補)
(將1953年第1號第25條編入。由1998年第25號第2條修訂;由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

  1. 為聆訊和裁定已按照《裁判官條例》(第227章)第IV部或《刑事訴訟程序條例》(第221章)第65F條移交的控罪或申訴而在區域法院進行的任何刑事法律程序中,除非被控人在訂明的期間終結前,提交不在犯罪現場詳情的通知,否則未經區域法院許可,不得援引證明不在犯罪現場的證據。(由1992年第59號第11條修訂;由2000年第28號第48條修訂)
    1. 在不損害第(1)款的原則下,在任何該等法律程序中,被控人未經區域法院許可,不得傳召任何其他人提供證明不在犯罪現場的證據,但如有下述情況,則不在此限─ (由2000年第28號第48條修訂)
      1. (a)第(1)款所訂的通知包括證人的姓名及地址,或如被控人於提交通知時並不知悉證人的姓名及地址,則包括他管有並對找尋該證人可能有實質幫助的資料;
      2. (b)如該通知並無包括該姓名或地址,但區域法院信納被控人在提交該通知前已採取,並在提交該通知後繼續採取一切合理步驟以確保該姓名或地址得以確定; (由2000年第28號第48條修訂)
      3. (c)如該通知並無包括該姓名或地址,但被控人其後發現該姓名或地址或獲得其他對找尋該證人可能有實質幫助的資料,他立即就該姓名、地址或資料(視屬何情況而定)提交通知;
      4. (d)如檢控官或他人代檢控官通知被控人謂未能根據所提交的姓名或地址找到該證人,而該被控人立即就其當時管有的任何該等資料提交通知,或在其後獲得任何該等資料

後,立即提交通知。

  1. 如區域法院覺得被控人未曾按照《裁判官條例》(第227章)第90條的條文或《刑事訴訟程序條例》(第221章)第65F條獲知本條的規定,則區域法院不得拒絕給予本條所指的許可。 (由1992年第59號第11條修訂;由2000年第28號第48條修訂)
  2. 任何反駁不在犯罪現場的證據可在提供證明不在犯罪現場的證據之前或之後提出,除非區域法院就提供該證據的時間另有指示,則屬例外。 (由2000年第28號第48條修訂)
  3. 任何看來是由被控人的律師代被控人根據本條提交的通知,除非相反證明成立,否則須當作為經被控人授權提交。
  4. 根據第(1)款提交的通知須在根據《裁判官條例》(第227章)第88條或《刑事訴訟程序條例》(第221章)第65F條作出移交令時在法庭上提交,或以書面方式向檢控官提交,而根據第(2)(c)或(d)款提交的通知則須以書面方式向檢控官提交。 (由1992年第59號第11條修訂)
  5. 根據本條規定須向檢控官提交的通知,可藉交付律政司司長或留在律政司司長辦事處而提交,或以掛號郵遞致予律政司司長的方式寄交律政司司長辦事處而提交。 (由1997年第362號法律公告修訂)
  6. (8) 在本條中─ “訂明期間”(the prescribed period) 指最遲在審訊展開前10天即屆滿的期間; “證明不在犯罪現場的證據”(evidence in support of an alibi) 指有助於顯示被控人於某時間在某地點或

某地方出現而於指稱的犯罪時間他並不在或相當不可能在指稱的犯罪現場的證據。

(9)在計算訂明期間時,不得將任何根據《公眾假期條例》(第149章)規定為公眾假期的日期計

算在內。 (由1998年第35號第5條修訂) (由1990年第6號第10條增補)

    1. 凡控罪或申訴已如前述般移交,律政司司長可在判決作出前的任何時間,藉將政府擬中止法律程序一事以口述或書面方式通知區域法院而提出中止檢控,而被控人隨即須就提出中止檢控的控罪獲釋放: (由1962年第21號第13條修訂;由1997年第362號法律公告修訂;由1998年第25號第2條修訂)
    2. 但上述的釋放並不禁制其後根據同一事實針對該被控人進行法律程序。
    1. 根據本條提出中止檢控後,被控人如已被押交監獄,須獲釋放,又如正在保釋中,則就其所作的所有擔保均須予撤銷;又凡在中止檢控提出時,被控人不在區域法院席前,司法常務官或區域法院的其他適當人員須隨即將中止檢控一事,安排將書面通知送交該被控人羈留的監獄或其他地方的主管人員,而該通知書即為釋放該被控人的充分權限,或如該被控人不在羈押中,則須立即安排將該通知書送交該被控人及其擔保人。 (由1962年第21號第13條修訂;由2000年第28號第46條修訂)
    2. (將1953年第1號第26條編入。由2000年第28號第48條修訂)
    1. 每份控罪書均須由《律政人員條例》(第87章)所界定的律政人員簽署,控罪書並須註有簽署當日的日期。 (由1976年第24號第2條代替。由1998年第25號第2條修訂;由2008年第25號第8條修訂)
      1. (2) 控罪書的格式須如附表1所載,並可因應個別個案的情況而作出必要的增補及變通。
      2. 除本條例的條文另有規定外,如控罪書是按訂明的方式擬就,即不得就其格式或內容而提

出異議: 但區域法院可指示交付任何控罪的更詳盡清楚的詳情。 (由1962年第21號第14條修訂)

  1. 每份控罪書經如前述般簽署及註上日期後,須送交司法常務官,由其將之在區域法院存檔,而該控罪書的一份文本須以下文規定的方式送達被控人。 (由2000年第28號第46條修訂)
    1. 本條或第79或87條或根據第87條訂立的任何規則並不影響關於區域法院司法管轄權的法律或常規,且在任何方面不損害或減少須按照法律以證據證明在法律上構成被控人被控的罪行所需的作為、不作為或意圖的責任,亦在其他方面不影響刑事案件的證據法。 (由1962年第21號第14條修訂)
    2. (將1953年第1號第27條編入。由2000年第28號第48條修訂)
  2. 在區域法院席前進行的任何法律程序中,凡針對被控人的控罪書已根據第75(3)(a)條交付,則在控方或由他人代控方作出開審陳詞之前,或在並無作出該陳詞的情況下,在控方傳召第一個證人提供證據前,律政司司長可向區域法院申請命令,要求將法律程序移交原訟法庭或移交裁判官席前循簡易程序處理。 (由1997年第362號法律公告修訂;由1998年第25號第2條修訂;由2000年第28號第48條修訂)
  3. 根據第(1)款的申請須藉動議向法官提出,而動議的通知書須附有列明申請理由的誓章作支持。
  4. 該動議通知書及誓章的文本須在該通知書上指明為該動議的聆訊日期不少於21天前送達被控人,但如法官給予許可另作處理,則屬例外。
  5. 在接獲根據第(1)款提出的申請後,法官在符合第(5)款的情況下,及如其在顧及公正的原則而認為適合,可作出准許申請的命令(在本條及第77B條稱為“移交令”)或拒絕申請,而在准許或拒絕申請的情況下,均可就訟費方面作出其認為適宜的命令。
  6. 法官在作出移交令將法律程序移交原訟法庭後,須通知被控人他可選擇將該命令所關的控罪於裁判官席前作初級偵訊的聆訊,如他不作此選擇,控罪即不作偵訊而移交原訟法庭審訊;一經作如此通知後,須向被控人詢問他是否選擇將針對他的控罪作初級偵訊的聆訊,而他可作此選擇。(由1998年第25號第2條修訂)
  7. (6) 如被控人不選擇將控罪作初級偵訊的聆訊,則法律程序即移交原訟法庭審訊。 (由1998年第25號第2條修訂)
  8. 如被控人根據第(5)款選擇作初級偵訊,或如有將法律程序移交由裁判官循簡易程序處理的命令作出,則法官須指定被控人須到裁判官席前應訊的日期。
  9. 如有法律程序根據本條移交循簡易程序處理,則根據第(7)款指定的日期不得早於由移交令日期起計21天。
    1. 如有申請根據第(1)款提出,則在區域法院席前的整項法律程序須予擱置,直至申請已獲處置為止,但如法官就任何事宜另作命令,則屬例外。 (由2000年第28號第48條修訂)
    2. (10)在作出移交令時,法官可將被控人還押或准其保釋,視乎其認為適宜而定。
    1. 除非法官就任何事宜另作命令,否則移交令具有終止區域法院席前的法律程序的效力。(由2000年第28號第48條修訂)
      1. 不得對移交令提出上訴。
      2. 如區域法院除本款外對根據第(1)款提出的申請並無司法管轄權予以聆訊和裁定,則本款即

賦予司法管轄權。 (由2000年第28號第48條修訂) (由1992年第59號第12條增補)

(1) 在移交令作出後21天內,司法常務官須將該份移交令的經蓋印本─ (由2000年第28號第46條

修訂)

(a) (在法律程序移交作初級偵訊或由裁判官處理的情況下)交付被控人須到庭應訊的裁判法院的書記長;或
(b) (在法律程序移交原訟法庭的情況下)交付高等法院的司法常務官。
    1. 在作出移交令時,如法官將被控人交付羈押,法官須將被控人可向原訟法庭大法官申請保釋的權利,告知該被控人。
    2. (3) 在作出將法律程序移交原訟法庭的命令時,法官─
      1. (a) 須將被控人可申請法律援助的權利,告知該被控人(除非該被控人已得到法律援助);
        1. (b) 如被控人選擇將法律程序直接移交,須向該被控人說─ “我必須警告你,除非你已在受審前提交不在犯罪現場及證人的詳情,否則在你受審時可能不獲容許提出不在犯罪現場的證據,或不獲容許傳召證人以證明不在犯罪現場。你現在可向本法庭提交此等詳情,亦可在開審日期前不少於10天之時向檢控官提交此等詳情。”,
        2. 或說意思相同的話,而法官如覺得被控人或許不明白“不在犯罪現場”一詞的涵義,他須將該詞涵義向他解釋;及
      2. (c)須將被控人有權基於沒有針對他的表面證據為理由而向原訟法庭大法官申請將他釋放一事,告知該被控人。
  1. 凡法官已按第(3)(b)款的規定作出警告,區域法院有關的書記須將《刑事訴訟程序條例》(第221章)第65D條的條文的通知書交予被控人。 (由2000年第28號第48條修訂)
  2. 如在作出將法律程序移交原訟法庭的命令時,被控人不在法庭,區域法院有關的書記須藉掛號郵遞向被控人遞交通知書,通知書須以中英文載有第(3)款列明的資料及警告,並須附有《刑事訴訟程序條例》(第221章)第65D條的條文的通知書。 (由1995年第13號第50條增補。由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

(6) 第(5)款所規定的通知書,須在編定的審訊日前不少於28天送交被控人。 (由1995年第13號第

50條增補) (由1992年第59號第12條增補。由1998年第25號第2條修訂)

附註:

具追溯力的適應化修訂─見1998年第25號第2

  1. 要求根據第77A(1)條作出命令的申請可就一名或多於一名被控人,或就一項或多於一項的控罪或申訴在任何法律程序中提出。
  2. 在第75、77A(該條第(9)款除外)及77B條中對任何法律程序的提述,須解釋為就第(1)款所指命令所涉及的被控人而進行的法律程序,或(在適當情況下)就第(1)款所指命令所涉及的控罪或申訴而進行的法律程序的提述。

(由1992年第59號第12條增補)

凡有任何成文法則對任何罪行的可展開檢控期間施加時間上的限制,則該限制亦適用於在區域

法院就該罪行的檢控。 (將1953年第1號第28條編入。由1962年第21號第13條修訂;由1970年第16號附表修訂;由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

條: 79 在區域法院的刑事司法管轄權範圍內的區域法院程序及常規 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
  1. 除本條例的條文另有規定及另有訂明外,當其時有效的關於刑事法律程序的原訟法庭程序及常規,須在區域法院的刑事法律程序中在可予適用的情況下盡量沿用;如為需要使該等程序及常規方便適用,“公訴”及“罪名”須理解為分別提述“控罪書”及“控罪”。 (由1962年第21號第15條修訂;由1998年第25號第2條修訂)
  2. 即使第(1)款的條文有所規定,《刑事訴訟程序條例》(第221章)附表2第I部所詳列的條文不適用於區域法院的法律程序。 (由1962年第21號第15條修訂)
  3. 載於附表2第II部涉及區域法院行使其刑事管轄權的程序及常規的特別條文,凡在區域法院的刑事法律程序中因其情況而需予適用,則在該等法律程序中即須適用。 (由1962年第21號第15條修訂)
    1. 凡《刑事訴訟程序條例》(第221章)的任何條文是適用於區域法院的刑事法律程序的,則該等條文須在語句上作出不影響其本質的必要修改及變通後解釋,以使其方便適用;尤其是在不損害前述條文的一般性的原則下,任何該等條文若是關於“陪審團”或“陪審團的裁決”的,均須理解為提述法官及法官作為事實裁斷者的職能。 (由1962年第21號第15條修訂;由1971年第63號第13條修訂)
    2. (5) 本條不得當為授權─
      1. (a)在區域法院提起任何刑事法律程序,但如按照本部的明示條文進行,則不在此限;或(由1962年第21號第15條修訂)
      2. (b) 在根據本部的條文提起的任何刑事法律程序中,在有陪審團的情況下進行審訊。 (將1953年第1號第29條編入。由2000年第28號第48條修訂)
  4. 凡被控人是法團,可由法團的代表以書函作出答辯,而如法團沒有代表出庭,或雖有代表出庭,但沒有作出答辯,則區域法院須命令登錄不認罪的答辯,審訊須猶如法團已正式登錄不認罪的答辯一樣進行。 (由2000年第28號第48條修訂)
  5. 在本條中,“代表”(representative)指獲任何法團正式委任代表該法團進行任何作為或事情的人,而該作為或事情是本條授權該法團的代表進行的,但任何人不得僅憑藉獲如此委任,即具資格代表該法團就任何其他目的而在任何法庭席前行事。就本條而言,代表無須透過法團印章而獲委任;如有一份書面聲明看來是由該法團的董事總經理或有權管理該法團事務的任何人或任何其中一人(不論其職稱為何)所簽署,意謂聲明所指名的人為施行本條的目的已獲委任為該法團的代表,則無須再加證明,法庭須接納該聲明作為該人已獲如此委任的表面證據。
條: 79A 法團的答辯 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

(由1976年第24號第3條增補)

條: 80 裁決 25 of 1998 01/07/1997

附註:

具追溯力的適應化修訂─見1998年第25號第2

  1. (1) 裁決及任何判刑須以口述方式宣告,並在宣告時以書面記錄。
    1. (2) 裁決及判刑的理由─
      1. (a) 須以口述方式宣告;及
      2. (b) 須在聆訊後或審訊後21天內以書面記錄,

而如此以書面記錄的理由須由法官簽署。 (由1993年第1號第5條代替)

條: 81 區域法院在被控人提出申請及控方同意下可考慮未審結的罪行 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
  1. 如被控人就某罪行被定罪,區域法院可在被定罪的人提出申請及控方同意下,對該人判處刑罰時,考慮該被定罪的人承認已犯的而又是其欲區域法院處理的任何性質類似的其他罪行。
    1. 任何沒有包括在《裁判官條例》(第227章)附表2第III部指明類別的可公訴罪行,以及(即使本條例或任何其他條例已有規定)任何只可循簡易程序審訊的罪行,區域法院均可根據第(1)款的規定作考慮。
    2. (由1972年第25號第4條增補。由2000年第28號第48條修訂)
  2. 凡區域法院就某罪行判處任何人服一段監禁刑期,而該人已就另一罪行正在服刑監禁或同時被判處服刑監禁,則區域法院可指示該段監禁刑期在該人當時所服的監禁刑期之中或先前判處須服的監禁刑期之中的任何時間開始,或在該等監禁刑期屆滿時始行開始。 (由1962年第21號第13條修訂;由1990年第6號第11條修訂)
  3. 即使在本條例生效日期時任何有效的成文法則已有規定,又即使法律程序並沒有藉公訴提起,區域法院仍可就區域法院有審理權的罪行,或在與區域法院有審理權的罪行有關的情況下,判處法律規定的刑罰和作出法律規定的命令: (由1962年第21號第13條修訂)
條: 82 罰則 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

但─

(a)區域法院就一項罪行所判處的監禁刑期不得超逾7年,而如區域法院根據第(1)款判處2項或多於2項分期執行的監禁刑期,則刑期合計不得超逾7年;及 (由1962年第21號第13條修訂;由1973年第43號第2條修訂)
(b) 任何因欠繳罰款而判處的監禁刑期不得超逾1年。 (由1972年第25號第5條修訂)

(3)凡區域法院就任何罪行有判處監禁的權限而沒有判處罰款的權限,則區域法院在其認為適

合的情況下,可判處罰款以代替監禁: (由1962年第21號第13條修訂) 但─

(a)對於欠繳罰款所判處的監禁刑期,不得超逾犯罪者就其被定罪的罪行而可被判處的刑期;及 (由1972年第25號第5條修訂)
(b) 該監禁刑期在任何情況下均不得超逾1年。
  1. 如區域法院對不繳付罰款的人判處監禁刑期,可命令該項監禁刑期待該人已被判處的其他監禁刑期屆滿時始行開始,而為此目的,即使監禁刑期合計超過區域法院根據第(2)款但書(a)段所能判處的最高7年刑期,區域法院仍可根據第(1)款作出指示。 (由1972年第25號第5條增補。由1973年第43號第2條修訂)
  2. 凡根據任何成文法則,原訟法庭獲賦予權力對已循公訴程序就某罪行被定罪的人施加任何懲罰,或就該人而作出任何其他作為或事情,則除本條的條文另有規定外,區域法院對根據本部的條文就該罪行被定罪的人亦具有同樣的權力。(由1962年第21號第13條修訂;由1998年第25號第2條修訂)

(將1953年第1號第31條編入。由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

條: 83 上訴 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

《刑事訴訟程序條例》(第221章)第80至83Y條(首尾兩條包括在內)須為方便適用而在語句上作出不影響其本質的必要修改及變通後,適用於區域法院的刑事法律程序,尤其是任何提述“公訴書”之處須理解為提述控罪書,而任何提述“陪審團”之處則理解為提述作為事實裁斷者的法官。

(將1953年第1號第32條編入。由1962年第21號第17條修訂;由1972年第34號第22條修訂;由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

條: 84 以案件呈述的方式上訴 L.N. 362 of 1997; 25 of 1998 01/07/1997

附註:

具追溯力的適應化修訂─見1998年第25號第2

如律政司司長針對某裁定無罪的裁決或命令(包括因指稱控罪欠妥或缺乏司法管轄權而將控罪撤銷或駁回的任何命令)而提起訴訟,則可向上訴法庭提出上訴。該上訴只可關於法律事宜並須按以下程序─ (由1997年第362號法律公告修訂)

(a)在裁決的理由記錄後或裁定無罪的命令作出後7整天內,或在高等法院大法官於該期間屆滿之前或之後准許的較長期間內,可以書面方式提出申請,要求有關的法官對案件作呈述,以徵詢上訴法庭的意見。該呈述須列出達致或作出該裁決或命令所據的事實及理由,以及該法律程序受質疑的理由。對於擬備、修訂和排期聆訊該案件呈述,《裁判官條例》(第227章)第106至109條的條文(首尾兩條包括在內)經加以必要的變通後須予適用;
(b)繼該項申請提出後,高等法院大法官可應在內庭向其提出的申請,發出致予警務人員的手令,指示將答辯人逮捕和帶到其席前,並可將答辯人押交監獄以待上訴的處置或可准予其保釋;
(c) 在上訴聆訊時,不論答辯人有否出庭,上訴法庭─
(i) 如信納沒有充分理由進行干預,須駁回上訴;或
(ii) 須推翻該裁決或命令,指示恢復審訊或將被控人重新審訊(視屬何情況而定),或判其有罪、將定罪予以記錄和處以法官本可對其判處的刑罰;及
(iii) 須作出其認為適合的一切必要及相應的指示。 (由1962年第31號第2條增補。由1998年第25號第2條修訂)
條: 85 協助者及教唆者 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

《刑事訴訟程序條例》(第221章)第89、90及91條須為方便適用而在語句上作出不影響其本質的必要修改或變通後,適用於區域法院的法律程序。 (由1971年第5號第13條代替。由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

條: 86 財產的檢取 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

區域法院具有《刑事訴訟程序條例》(第221章)第102至106條(首尾兩條包括在內)賦予原訟法庭的

所有權力。 (將1953年第1號第34條編入。由1962年第21號第13條修訂;由1998年第25號第2條修訂;由2000年第28號第48條修訂)

條: 87 刑事訴訟程序規則 L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000

規則委員會可訂立涉及區域法院在行使其刑事司法管轄權時的程序及常規的規則,而該等規則可就以下事宜訂定條文─ (由1962年第21號第18條修訂)

(a)在區域法院使用的表格,包括與控罪書有關的一切事宜所使用的表格,而該等事宜均是根據《刑事訴訟程序條例》(第221章)第9條訂立的規則就公訴書可訂明的;
(b)須將文件送交區域法院存檔的時間或期間,或須將通知交付或送達區域法院或任何人的時間或期間;
(c) 區域法院各人員就區域法院的刑事法律程序所具有的職能;
(d)享有和行使出庭發言權的方式、陳詞的先後次序,以及在區域法院作訟辯的方式及常規;
(e) 指派大律師及律師為貧民辯護,以及為此所准予的費用及訟費;及
(f) 概括而言,更有效施行本部的條文。 (將1953年第1號第36條編入。由2000年第28號第48條修訂)
條: 88 特赦權的保留 25 of 1998 01/07/1997

附註:

具追溯力的適應化修訂─見1998年第25號第2

本條例並不影響歸於行政長官赦免罪行或改判刑罰的權力。 (將1953年第1號第37條編入。由1998年第25號第2條修訂)

條: 89 (2000年第28號第43條廢除) L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
條: 90 (2000年第28號第44條廢除) L.N. 247 of 2000 01/09/2000
附表: 1 控罪書格式 25 of 2008 11/07/2008
[第77條]
於香港區域法院
香港特別行政區
A. B.
區域法院經獲知律政司司長對A. B. 提出以下控罪。

罪行陳述

罪行詳情

日期: 年 月 日

(簽署)..................................... (律政人員的姓名及職銜) 代表律政司司長代行

如控罪多於一項,各項控罪須列明如下─

(起首一如前述),律政司司長對A. B. 提出以下控罪。

第一項控罪

罪行陳述 罪行詳情

第二項控罪

罪行陳述
罪行詳情
等等 等等

日期: 年 月 日

(簽署)..................................... (律政人員的姓名及職銜)

代表律政司司長代行 (由1997年第362號法律公告修訂;由1998年第25號第2條修訂;由2000年第28號第48條修訂;由2008年第25號第9條修訂)

[第79(2)條]

第I部

對區域法院刑事司法管轄權的程序及常規不適用的 《刑事訴訟程序條例》(第221章)條文 (由1998年第25號第2條修訂)

《刑事訴訟程序條例》(第221章)第9、10、11、12、14、15、17、27、33、41、42、49、50、52、53、68、71、77、85、86、88、115、118、119及120條及附表1。

(由1971年第5號第13條修訂;由1972年第25號第7條修訂;由1981年第59號第4條修訂)

第II部[第79(3)條]

涉及區域法院刑事司法管轄權的程序及 常規的特別條文 (由1998年第25號第2條修訂)

1. 答辯

  1. 被控人須置於犯人欄內,不得扣上銬鐐和不得穿上囚衣,但如區域法院認為適合並作其他指示,則屬例外。
  2. 然後須向被控人宣讀控罪,並在有需要時加以解釋,而該人須就該控罪親自作出答辯,但如該被控人以控罪書未有妥為送達而提出反對,而區域法院亦裁斷該控罪書沒有妥為送達被控人,則屬例外。

(由1971年第5號第13條修訂)

2. 控罪書載有以往定罪的控罪

  1. 凡控罪書載有控罪,指稱被控人以往曾被定罪,則無須著被控人就該指稱作出回答,但在被控人就一項指稱實質罪行的控罪被定罪之後則除外。
  2. 被控人經如前述般被定罪後,除非該被控人承認以往曾被定罪的指稱,否則區域法院須就該人是否已如此被定罪進行裁定。

3. 就控罪的實質事項提出反對

    1. 不得藉抗訴就控罪提出反對,但如控罪在實質上並沒有陳述任何罪行或陳述並非可由區域法院審訊的罪行,則被控人可動議區域法院撤銷控罪或阻止判決。
    2. (2) 如該動議在被控人答辯之前提出,區域法院可駁回控罪或將之修改。
  1. 如在審訊時區域法院覺得控罪欠妥,而區域法院當時又認為並不適合將之修訂,區域法院可撤銷該控罪或將有關的反對留待阻止判決時處理。

(4)如控罪根據本段的條文撤銷,區域法院可指示將被控人拘留羈押或准予被控人保釋外出,

但保釋期不得超逾14天,又可命令其就另一控罪答辯(如在該段期間內被控人被要求如此做)。 (由2000年第28號第48條修訂)


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WIPO Lex No. HK152