This article was contributed by Karen Dicks, Professional Support Lawyer, Service Area: Litigations, Country: Hong Kong, in 2008

The Civil Justice Reforms (in Hong Kong) will come into effect on 2 April 2009. The new court rules aim to:

• Improve cost-effectiveness,
• Reduce complexity and delays in court proceedings.

The purpose of this bulletin is to briefly highlight some of the major changes to the High Court and District Court Rules, which will come into effect on 2 April 2009. Subsequent bulletins will deal with these topics in more detail.

Australians are familiar with the Magic Pudding, a fantastic creation in that no matter how much of it is eaten by Bill Barnacle, Bunyip Bluegum and friends, it always returns to its original size and shape.

The Magic Pudding is a bit like the legal profession - forever plumped up, no matter how many reformist plans are nibbling away at it. Chief Justice Jim Spigelman has a dim view of reform. In 2005 he said: ''When Dr Johnson defined patriotism as the last refuge of the scoundrel, he was unconscious of the then-underdeveloped possibilities of the word 'reform'.''

Though written within a Canadian context, I find this worth the read for those within the Civil Justice System and advocacy groups endeavouring to push for Civil Justice Reforms in their various nations

On June 28, 2006, Attorney General Michael Bryant asked the Honourable Coulter Osborne, former Associate Chief Justice of Ontario, to lead the Civil Justice Reform Project (CJRP). Mr. Osborne has been asked to propose options to reform the civil justice system to make it more accessible and affordable for Ontarians. Recommendations for action are to focus on proposals which will produce meaningful results in enhancing access to justice for Ontarians and which will be suitable for implementation within a reasonable amount of time.

This article was written within context of the British Civil Justice System but offers valuable lessons and research material for any Civil Justice Advocate and advocacy group globally.

Lord Woolf

Tell us your verdict: have the Woolf reforms worked?