Jury trials, a rare feature in many legal traditions, remain a fundamental part of Hong Kong’s common law system. While juries decide a defendant’s guilt, the trial judge plays a crucial role in overseeing the process. Far from being passive, the judge acts like a conductor, ensuring all parties perform their roles properly and that trials proceed smoothly.
This responsibility is particularly challenging in Hong Kong, where complex criminal cases can last for weeks and involve intricate legal and factual issues. The burden on judges is intensified by chronic understaffing in the judiciary, leading to a heavy workload.
Judges often face multiple long trials scheduled in close succession, with any available court days quickly filled by shorter hearings such as sentencing and bail applications. This demanding schedule aims to maintain swift access to justice for defendants despite limited judicial resources.
The High Court judges’ role in managing jury trials is thus both critical and strenuous, balancing the demands of complex cases with the need for efficient court proceedings.
Source: South China Morning Post World
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