The administration of civil justice system in Hong Kong is complicated and has easily lent itself to abuses. The Hong Kong Bar Association already made proposals to the Judiciary three years ago for simplifying and streamlining the civil procedures with a view to bringing down the overall costs of litigation, enhancing public access to services of lawyers and facilitating the resolution of disputes by the courts.

In anticipation of the Interim Report and Consultative Paper on Civil Justice Reform, which was published today, the Bar has already set up a Special Committee to study the proposals and will encourage barristers to actively participate in the consultation process. The Bar looks forward to contributing to the civil procedure reform by a constructive and considered response to the Working Party within the consultation period.