LRC releases biennial review 2013 (with photo)

The following is issued on behalf of the Law Reform Commission:

The Law Reform Commission (LRC) today (October 9) released "The Law Reform Commission of Hong Kong 2013", the first review of the work of the LRC since the Secretary for Justice, Mr Rimsky Yuen, SC, took office and became its Chairman on July 1, 2012.

Marking the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of the LRC, Mr Yuen emphasised, "Law reform plays an important role in any society which aspires to maintain the rule of law."

In his foreword to the review, he adds, "As our society evolves, our laws have to change to meet its needs. The aim of any LRC project is to consider the law in a specified area and, where appropriate, present well considered proposals for improving our law. While the process of carrying out a LRC review of any area of law is itself beneficial in that it stimulates public debate and awareness, the ultimate purpose is to offer suggestions for reform so as to improve our law.

"It is important for the health of our legal system that the LRC's reform proposals are given full and timely consideration and, where thought appropriate, implemented as soon as practicably possible."

Acknowledging that "the road of law reform is never short of challenges", Mr Yuen, as Chairman of the independent advisory body affirms that "the LRC will do its utmost to achieve its mission."

In addition to setting out the mission of the LRC, the review outlines the history and operation of the LRC, as well as giving an overview of its work during the period from January 1, 2011 to June 30, 2013, including:

* Criteria for referral to the LRC;

* Consultation papers and reports published;

* New measures for implementation of the reports; and

* Nature and progress of the eight projects currently undertaken by the LRC, namely, Adverse Possession; Review of Sexual Offences, Causing or Allowing the Death of a Child; Charities; Excepted Offences under Schedule 3 to the Criminal Procedure Ordinance (Cap 221); Archives Law; Access to Information and Third Party Funding for Arbitration.

Mr Yuen also paid tribute to all those who have participated in the work of the LRC, either by serving as members of the LRC or one of its sub-committees, or by responding to consultation papers the LRC has published.

"The Law Reform Commission of Hong Kong 2013" is available at www.hkreform.gov.hk.

Ends/Wednesday, October 09, 2013

The Members of the Law Reform Commission are (front row from left): Mrs Eleanor Ling; the Law Draftsman, Mr Paul Wan; the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Geoffrey Ma Tao-li; the Secretary for Justice, Mr Rimsky Yuen, SC; Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Justice Robert Tang Ching; Professor Michael Wilkinson; (back row from left) Mr Anderson Chow, SC; Mr Eugene Fung, SC; Ms Angela Lee; Mr Peter Rhodes; Mrs Pamela Chan; Mr John Budge; the Secretary of the Law Reform Commission, Mr Stephen Wong.