XN000022-1973-01-22 — Page 9

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Monday, January 22, 1973

STUDENT GROUPS TO SEE COURTS IN ACTION

Secondary students will be able to visit the law courts

and see for themselves the judicial process in Hong Kong under a scheme

proposed by the Judiciary.

In a letter to all school heads, the Supreme Court Registrar

has invited them to organise student groups among the senior forms

to attend at a convenient court, receive a talk from a Magistrate

or court officer in English or Cantonese, and subsequently watch

a court in session.

A spokesman for the Judiciary said the Chief Justice

desired that the young people should be given more opportunity to

become better acquainted with the administration of justice in

the courts.

Occassionally in the past, he said groups of students had

visited the Supreme Court and, after being given a short talk on

judicial procedure, had attended one or more of the courts to observe

trials in progress.

Subsequent comments by both students and teachers had clearly

indicated that this practice was of considerable value and greatly

appreciated.

The spokesman also pointed out that, in fact, almost without

exception, the courts were open to the public at all times, and groups

need not be organised.

"But this organised student scheme promises to be an excellent

way of introducing young people to the judicial system. It is hoped it

will create in then a continuing interest in the judicial process," he added

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