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THE LEGAL SYSTEM
The Legal Advice Scheme provides free advice to people who cannot afford to consult private lawyers. The scheme operates eight advice centres at Sha Tin, Tsuen Wan, Wan Chai, Eastern, Yau Ma Tei, Kwun Tong, Mong Kok and Wong Tai Sin District Offices. Each centre opens once a week in the evening. Members of the public can make appointments to see the volunteer lawyers through one of the 120 referral agencies which include all District Offices, Caritas Services Centres and many other volunteer agencies. Generally, clients can see a lawyer within 14 days. However, in genuinely urgent cases, early appointments can be arranged. There are 359 lawyers (barristers and solicitors) on the Advice Lawyer Panel. Some 3 702-people are advised each year.
The Tel-law Scheme was introduced in March 1984. It provides taped legal information by telephone. Each taped message lasts 2.5 minutes and is available in both English and Chinese. There are over 65 tapes available. The main purpose of the service is to provide basic information on the legal aspects of everyday problems, and to encourage people who have such problems to use the Free Legal Advice Scheme. The tapes are updated as necessary, and cover matrimonial, landlord and tenant, criminal, financial, employment and some administrative law. Tapes are added when a new subject is identified as being of interest to the public. During the year, Tel-law handled 50 328 calls.