XN000022-1996-01-08 — Page 38

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He noted that the most remarkable improvement was found in the Labour Tribunal where the waiting time had come down from the record high of 335 days to about 180 days by end- 1995 with straightforward cases being heard and concluded within 100 days.

"With a view to improving court waiting time and case management, particularly the assessment of the length of hearing, we have been examining the need for a new approach to expedite the hearing of criminal appeals in the Court of Appeal," Sir Ti Liang said. "In late 1995, a requirement that written arguments be filed 10 days prior to the hearing date and that there be fixed times for oral argument was introduced on a trial basis. We shall fully assess these new procedures at the end of the six-month trial period."

The Chief Justice added that the Civil Court Users Committee had also been actively examining how cases should be managed and would soon submit its recommendations. "I hope to issue in a few months' time a Practice Direction in respect of long cases which should help give guidance to both judges and the legal profession," he said.

Sir Ti Liang stressed that "while continuous efforts will be made to ensure that court waiting times are kept within reasonable limits, these efforts will not compromise, or be made at the expense of, the fairness of a trial."

"The administration of justice is a co-operative venture between the Judiciary and members of the legal profession. Exploring what further improvements could be made to expedite the wheels of justice is not the preserve of the Judiciary. We look forward to suggestions from the two branches of the legal profession, and the Government's legal services group of departments," added Sir Ti Liang.

On the use of Chinese in courts, Sir Ti Liang said, "The Judiciary is committed to furthering the use of Chinese in higher courts and putting in place a truly bilingual system before July 1, 1997. Restriction on the use of Chinese at different levels of courts will gradually be removed over the next 18 months."

A mock scheme was conducted two months ago to assess the feasibility of using simultaneous interpretation in the courts. However, the Chief Justice cautioned that simultaneous interpretation should not be regarded as a quick solution to the bilingual court system.