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DRAF T
MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
MEASURES AGAINST CRIME
Annexes A & B.
This Paper contains, for the advice of Honourable
Members, a number of measures which it is proposed to take
in the near future as part of the Government's campaign to
reduce violent crime in Hong Kong.
2.
The various measures which are considered below
have been included in one composite paper because it is felt
that they should all be announced publicly at the same time.
This should achieve the maximum effect by way of publicity and
would, it is considered, be more effective in persuading the
public that the Government is tackling the problem seriously
than the announcement and introduction of the various measures
piecemeal.
POWERS OF PUNISHMENT OF MAGISTRATES AND DISTRICT JUDGES.
3. At Annexes A and B are the District Court (Amendment)
Bill, 1973 and the Magistrates (Amendment) Bill, 1973, the
object of which is to increase the powers of punishment of
District Judges and certain magistrates.
4. The great increase in the volume of serious crime
during the past few years has imposed serious burdens on the
Supreme Court and the District Court. In order to relieve
these courts, it is proposed to arrange for more indictable
offences to be tried in the District Court and the magistrates'
-courts.
5.
However, it is considered to be essential, if more
serious cases are to be tried in less senior courts, to confer
on the latter courts enhanced powers of punishment.
Annex A,
therefore, increases the present maximum sentence of imprison-
ment which can be imposed by a District Court Judge from
5 years to 7 years.