XN000022-1997-04-23 — Page 60

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Justices of the Peace

Following is a question by the Hon Chim Pui-chung and a written reply by the Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan,in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

(b)

of the current respective numbers of Official Justices of the Peace and Non-official Justices of the Peace, as well as their respective powers and functions: and

how long the existing system for the appointment of Justices of Peace will remain in force?

Reply:

Mr President,

(a)

As at April 1997, there are 279 Official Justices of the Peace (JPs) and 613 Non-official JPs. The categorisation of Official and Non-official JP's is purely an administrative practice; there are no differences in powers and functions between them.

Historically, the office of JP was a judicial one. Over the years, JPs in Hong Kong have accumulated a wide range of judicial and quasi-judicial powers under various local ordinances. These powers include the issue of summons, arrest warrants, search warrants, warrants to effect entry to certain premises to carry out duties, and abatement of fire hazard and nuisance orders. With the development of a professional judiciary, these powers are no longer exercised by lay JPs. JPs also have the power to administer oaths and declarations, witness the signing of documents, confirm information under certain statutes and other miscellaneous powers.

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