The Courts (Remote Hearing) Bill passed in LegCo on March 26, 2025, aiming to enhance court efficiency and accessibility through remote hearings.
This article was generated using SAMS, an AI technology by Timothy Loh LLP.
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On March 26, 2025, the bill Courts (Remote Hearing) Bill was passed in LegCo.
The Courts (Remote Hearing) Bill seeks to provide a legal framework for judges and judicial officers to order remote hearings for court proceedings in Hong Kong.
It aims to enhance the efficiency of court operations, particularly in addressing unforeseen and complex situations such as pandemics.
The bill addresses the current legal impediments that prevent remote hearings for criminal cases and provides a clear basis for remote hearings in civil proceedings.
It also outlines the factors to be considered before making a remote hearing order, including the views of the parties, the ability to engage with the proceeding, the maintenance of the rights of the parties, and the quality and security of the remote hearing facilities.
The bill is about enhancing court efficiency and accessibility through remote hearings.
The bill allows the Judiciary to adopt remote hearings more frequently where appropriate and considers prioritizing remote hearings for specific types of proceedings, provided that effective administration of justice is not compromised.
It includes exceptions for national security proceedings, criminal trials, juvenile court proceedings, and vulnerable witnesses.
The bill also addresses the need for safeguards for open justice and introduces new offences to criminalize unauthorized recording and publishing of court proceedings.
Consequential amendments to existing legislation ensure compatibility and consistency with the new provisions.
The bill also includes an implementation plan for the Judiciary.
The bill provides a six-month transition period for stakeholders to adjust to the mode of remote hearings for criminal proceedings.
It also includes provisions to assist litigants in person ("LIPs") by requesting information regarding their access to electronic devices and providing bilingual guidelines and connection tests.
The Judiciary plans to arrange designated rooms with video-conferencing facilities for LIPs who may have difficulty finding a suitable remote location.
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