HKCFI · 原訟法庭

Court of First Instance

Senior trial court — unlimited civil and criminal jurisdiction. Hears: serious indictable criminal trials (typically with jury); civil actions of any value; admiralty and intellectual property; judicial review applications under Order 53 of the Rules of the High Court. Constitutional and Administrative Law List (CAL List) since 2008 fast-tracks public-law cases. Notable decisions: Kwok Wing Hang v Chief Executive (Anti-Mask Regulation under ERO held unconstitutional, later overturned on appeal), LC v KC (matrimonial ancillary relief), Re Cheng Kai Nam Gary (Art 35 confidential legal advice).

Jurisdiction

Hong Kong SAR

Founded

1976 (continued post-1997 as part of the High Court)

Composition

~30 judges including the Chief Judge of the High Court

Appeals from

District Court (civil + criminal appeals); Magistrates' Courts (criminal appeals)

5 decisions in our library