A judiciary think-tank's proposals for wide-ranging reform of the legal system will be implemented in two to three years, Chief Justice Andrew Li Kwok-nang said yesterday.
Mr Li, who endorsed the recommendations put forward by the Working Party on Civil Justice Reform, said the judiciary would use the balance of $6.94 million in its Save and Invest Account to carry out the work involved.
A steering Committee on Civil Justice Reform, chaired by Chief Judge of the High Court Geoffrey Ma Tao-li, has been established to oversee the implementation of the proposals.
Mr Li noted that the think-tank had conducted thorough consultations on the proposals and received 'significant support' from respondents, including the Bar Association and the Law Society.
He said the reforms aimed to improve the cost-effectiveness of the civil justice system while making it 'less complex and reducing delays'.
Mr Li said the Department of Justice had been required to deal with the legislative drafting involved, 'as a substantial number of amendments to the rules of the High Court are necessary'.
