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does not exceed $240,000. It has jurisdiction over employees' compensation, equal opportunities and matrimonial matters including divorce, custody, maintenance and adoption. It also has jurisdiction to hear stamp duty assessment appeals.

The Magistrates' Courts process about 90 per cent of the cases in Hong Kong annually. Led by the Chief Magistrate, the team consists of seven Principal Magistrates, 57 Permanent Magistrates and six Special Magistrates sitting in seven. locations. Magistrates exercise criminal jurisdiction over a wide range of offences. In general, their sentencing power is limited to two years' imprisonment and a fine of $100,000. Specific statutory provisions empower magistrates to impose sentences of up to three years' imprisonment and a fine of $5 million. Magistrates also handle cases in the Juvenile Courts which deal with offences, except homicide, committed by children and young persons below 16 years of age. Special Magistrates handle minor offences such as traffic contraventions. Their sentencing power is limited to a maximum fine of $50,000 or as specified in their warrants of appointment.

In addition, there are five tribunals. The Lands Tribunal handles tenancy claims, rating and valuation appeals, applications for compulsory sale of buildings for redevelopment, and compensation assessments when land is resumed by the Government or reduced in value by development. The Labour Tribunal handles claims arising from contracts of employment. The Small Claims Tribunal handles civil claims of up to $50,000. The Obscene Articles Tribunal determines whether articles are obscene or indecent. It also classifies articles submitted by authors and publishers. The Coroner's Court conducts inquests and inquires into the causes of and circumstances connected with a death.

In accordance with the Basic Law and the Official Languages Ordinance, the courts can use both official languages in any proceedings.

Legal Aid

Publicly funded legal aid services. are provided through the Legal Aid Department and the Duty Lawyer Service. Legal aid ensures that a person who has reasonable grounds for taking or defending a legal action in the Hong Kong courts is not prevented from doing so because of a lack of means. Eligible applicants receive legal aid through the provision of the services of a solicitor and, if necessary, that of a barrister.

Legal Aid Department

The Legal Aid Department provides legal aid services to any person, irrespective of his residence or nationality, who satisfies the means and merits tests. It has an establishment of about 542 staff including 76 professional lawyers.

Legal Aid in Civil Cases

Legal aid under the Ordinary Scheme is available for civil proceedings in the District Court, Court of First Instance, Court of Appeal, Court of Final Appeal, application to the Mental Health Review Tribunal and death inquests if it is in the interests of public justice to do so.

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