Hong Kong Bar Association

Circular No. 095/03

To : Members of the Bar Association

From : Andrew Mak - Hon. Secretary

Date : 27 October 2003

RUNNING LIST FOR CIVIL CASES IN THE DISTRICT COURT

The Chief District Judge has written to inform members that the District Court intends to implement a Running List for civil cases with effect from 1 December 2003, in conjunction with the scheduled increase in the civil jurisdictional limit to $1 million on that date.

It is anticipated that many of the cases which are to fall within the increased jurisdiction of the District Court would have been set down in the Civil Running List in the High Court but for the increase in jurisdiction. In order to facilitate a better deployment of resources, it is decided that a running List will be introduced in the District Court.

The Running List in the District Court is modeled on Part I of the Running List in the High Court with the following features:

(a) the type of cases shall include:
(i) cases in the Personal Injuries List;
(ii) claims under the Employees' Compensation Ord., Cap. 282; and
(iii) claims for compensation resulting from damage to a vehicle involved in a traffic accident.
(b) the Listing Judge/Master or the Judge in charge of the Personal Injuries List is satisfied that the estimate of the length of the trial is not more than 3 days; and
(c) none of the party involved in the case is unrepresented.

The case types shall be limited to those set out in paragraph 3(a) above initially as it is anticipated that these cases will encounter the least difficulty in the Running List. Upon a review of the operation, other case types may be added in due course.
If any of the parties becomes unrepresented after the case is set down in the Running List, the case will continue to be kept in the List, subject to an application to transfer the action to the Fixture List.

The draft Practice Direction relating to the Running List in the District Court is enclosed herewith.

Encl.

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PHOTOCOPYING AT THE HIGH COURT LIBRARY AT LG4

Further to our circular no. 070/03, please be reminded that the present Hong Kong Bar Association photocopying card will remain valid only until 31 December 2003. Thereafter from 2 January 2004, octopus card is the only payment method for photocopying. Receipts will be issued upon request.

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MEDICO-LEGAL SEMINAR SERIES 2003

The New Medico-Legal Society and The BMA (British Medical Association) HK have organized the above captioned seminars on Monday evenings - 3, 10 & 17 November. Interested members may contact Mr. James McGowan at 2527 3082 or Dr. Bernard Murphy at 2507 9813 for registration and further details. You may also register online at www.mededs.com/medleg.

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CHAMBERS ACCOMMODATION

Central Chambers located at the Lippo Centre has vacancies for ½ Senior Juniors and 2/3 junior practitioners. Rents are competitive and concessionary rates could be considered for suitable candidates. The chambers has a good library, large conference room and good secretarial facilities. Applicants are invited to contact Michelle at 2521 3517 for further details.