The practice of trial by jury has a long history in Hong Kong.[1] Like most jurisdictions with jury trial, this tradition was introduced into Hong Kong when it became a British colony. The Ordinance for the Regulation of Jurors and Juries was first enacted in 1845. Ever since then, the practice of trial by jury has been an important part of Hong Kong’s judicial system. This is also recognised in the Basic Law, Article 86: "The principle of trial by jury previously practised in Hong Kong shall be maintained."
There is no absolute right to trial by jury in Hong Kong.[2] Juries are only present in inquests in the Coroner's Court and in the Court of First Instance, where jury trials are available for criminal proceedings as well as certain civil matters, such as defamation.[3][4]
- ^ Koo F. (2010). Power to the people: Extending the jury to the Hong Kong’s District Court. City University of Hong Kong Law Review, 2, 301-329.
- ^ "The Jury's Verdict: A Global Assessment and Hong Kong's Alternative | Hong Kong Lawyer". www.hk-lawyer.org. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
- ^ "Jury Trials in Defamation Actions: Yes, or No? | Hong Kong Lawyer". www.hk-lawyer.org. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
- ^ "Hong Kong Defamation Litigation – Peculiar Features? | Hong Kong Lawyer". www.hk-lawyer.org. Retrieved 29 June 2025.