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Training
in Common Law for Mainland Legal Officials "Training
Scheme in Common Law for Mainland Legal Officials" ("the Scheme")
The Scheme was inaugurated in 1999 for the
purpose of providing Mainland officials the opportunity to study common law and
to familiarise with the legal system in Hong Kong. Majority of the participants
came from ministries, offices and commissions of the Central Government with some
from the local governments in the Mainland.
From
2005 onward, each year the DoJ will sponsor 10 Mainland officials to join the
Scheme in Hong Kong. The participating Mainland officials will undertake the Master
in Common Law Programme at the University of Hong Kong ("HKU") which runs
from September to May in the following year. To be eligible for the Master in
Common Law Programme at the HKU, one should attain the requisite English proficiency
level and hold a degree in law from a university (or comparable institution accepted
for this purpose) in a non-common law jurisdiction or be admitted to the professional
practice of law in a non-common law jurisdiction.
After
completion of the academic programme, the participants would be attached to the
DoJ, other government law departments and public organizations for about three
months before returning to their home organs.
From
the academic year of 2008 onward, in parallel to the Master in Common Law Programme
conducted by the HKU, the DoJ will also make arrangements for Mainland officials
to undertake the Master in Common Law Programme at the Chinese University of Hong
Kong. Officials attending this programme will also be placed in government organs
or law firms for short term attachments after completion of the academic programme.
To
be eligible for the Master in Common Law Programme at the Chinese University,
each participant should attain the requisite English proficiency level and hold:
(a)
a qualification to practise law in the jurisdiction of the his residence; or
(b)
a Bachelor of Laws degree (or degree of equivalent standing) in a non common law
jurisdiction; or
(c) a Bachelor's degree in a non-law subject with substantial
law-related working experience.
The first
batch of officials attending the Master Programme at the Chinese University will
arrive at Hong Kong in August 2008.
By conducting
the Scheme, the DoJ is able to establish closer working relationship with various
central and provincial organs in the Mainland which is beneficial to strengthening
co-operation and exchanges with the Mainland counterparts. By summer 2008, 111
Mainland officials have completed the Scheme.

Short
term attachment programme Pursuant
to the various Co-operation Agreements entered into by the DoJ and the relevant
Mainland justice authorities, both sides agree to provide short term attachment
to legal officials of the other side so that officials can have better understanding
of the respective legal system of the place of attachment.
Since
2005, each year the DoJ will arrange a batch of Mainland officials (consisted
of about 8 to 12) from various Justice Departments / Bureaux to come to Hong Kong
for a two-week attachment. The officials would be briefed on the role and function
of the DoJ. Arrangements would also be made for them to visit other government
departments such as the Legal Aid Department, Correctional Services Department,
and public organisations including the LegCo, ICAC and the legal professional
bodies for familiarization with their work.
Reciprocal arrangements have been made for DoJ counsel to be placed on a similar
short term attachment to various Justice Departments / Bureaux for greater understanding
of the Mainland legal system. Up to July 2008, 11 counsel have joined the exchange
programme.

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