TNAG-0396-FCO40-442-Problem-of-increase-in-crime-in-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 112

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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.