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CFA upholds Small House Policy in full

By Colin Cohen Hong Kong, 19 November 2021: In a much-anticipated judgment, the Court of Final Appeal has upheld the exclusive right of male indigenous villagers in the New Territories to build their own homes, ruling that the so-called Small House Policy is constitutional in its entirety. The judges have declared this right is protected […]

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Come cry with me, let’s lament this disarray

Hong Kong, 17 November 2021: Do you think Carrie Lam listens to music? Unlikely, given that our famously workaholic Chief Executive insists she never relaxes. A pity, because an hour with Frank Sinatra and his swinging songs certainly puts a spring in your step and makes you think wistfully of happier times and alluring locations. […]

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Helpers’ hardships highlighted in lecture

Hong Kong, 11 November 2021: Melville Boase called upon four decades of experience in dealing with migrant worker issues when he gave a lecture to University of Hong Kong students this week about the difficulties faced by domestic helpers in the territory. Mel, co-founder of Boase Cohen & Collins in 1985, detailed the three core […]

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Riot ruling gives courts greater certainty

By Colin Cohen Hong Kong, 10 November 2021: A landmark Court of Final Appeal judgment has provided welcome clarity on the question of prosecutions for unlawful assembly and rioting, ruling that the doctrine of “joint enterprise” does not apply but stressing that anyone involved – whether directly or indirectly – in such activities could face […]

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Law & More: Episode 7 – Winnie Tam SC

Hong Kong, 9 November 2021: In the latest episode of our Law & More podcast, we meet Senior Counsel Winnie Tam, who dovetails her successful career as a barrister with outstanding public service, which includes chairing the Communications Authority. Winnie talks about her busy life, love of music and her hopes for the future of […]

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Anti-voyeurism laws close legal loophole

By Arthur Chan and Gabriel Brettell  Hong Kong, 5 November 2021: The non-consensual photography of intimate parts (colloquially known as up-skirting) and the recording of others engaging in intimate acts when they have a reasonable expectation of privacy (voyeurism) are acts that should be punished in a civilised society. They offend a person’s privacy and […]

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LAWASIA Moot showcases future legal stars

Hong Kong, 4 November 2021: Colin Cohen has hailed the quality of emerging legal talent across the continent after acting as a judge in the 16th LAWASIA International Moot Competition. “I’m delighted to confirm the students taking part were, as always, highly competent and extremely well prepared, displaying extensive knowledge of the law and possessing […]

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The mighty pen writes a few wrongs

Hong Kong, 3 November 2021: Who doesn’t have a sneaking admiration for Viz, the British comic for (not so) grown-ups that is full of profane, childish cartoons and surreal humour? The readers’ letters are legendary, to wit: “I was delighted when the kind people at the Inland Revenue wrote to me recently telling me that […]

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Political squabbling is kicked into touch

Hong Kong, 27 October 2021: I love football refereeing. Not only is it healthy exercise and a fulfilling social activity, its core components – rule of law, equitable decision-making and appraising each case on its merits – appeal to my instincts as a legal professional. Almost 50 years after my debut as a teenaged match […]

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Harbouring doubts about our exit plan

Hong Kong, 20 October 2021: Having lived in Hong Kong for 40 years, I’m sometimes guilty of being blasé about this wonderful city’s unique appeal. Boasting an exotic blend of ancient and modern, East meets West, downtown bustle versus country park tranquility, there is nowhere quite like it. And it appears many people agree, given […]

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Owners count cost of illegal structures

By Alex Liu Hong Kong, 7 July 2025: Proof of the authorities’ renewed resolve to combat unauthorised building works (UBWs) can be found in a spate of court cases that have resulted in significant fines. For any citizens who have made illegal alterations to their homes in the belief the law will not catch up […]

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Law & More: Episode 54 – Paola Sangiovanni

Hong Kong, 3 July 2025: In the latest edition of Law & More, we are joined by Paola Sangiovanni, the newly elected president of global legal services organisation Ally Law. Paola discusses her first steps in the legal profession, how she has built her practice as a corporate lawyer in Milan, and her hopes and […]

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Cuts in traffic accident payouts on way

By Vivian Yu Hong Kong, 25 June 2025: Significant changes to the Traffic Accident Victims Assistance (TAVA) Scheme are imminent, with authorities seeking to drastically reduce the number of compensated sick leave days and daily subsidies. It is believed the move will help prevent future abuses of the system and make the regime more financially […]

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Woe, pipe walls and ‘Watergate’

Hong Kong, 18 June 2025: Feeling thirsty? Before reaching for a glass, consider that 27% of the global population – some 2.2 billion people – lack “safely managed drinking water”, according to the World Health Organization and UNICEF. This includes more than 700 million individuals who have to walk more than 30 minutes to collect […]

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School staff learn about data protection

Hong Kong, 13 June 2025: Compliance with personal data privacy rules was the theme of a talk given by our Associate Anne Young to staff at Sacred Heart Canossian School (Private Section) in Central. The presentation highlighted key aspects of the Personal Data (Privacy} Ordinance and offered guidance on how information should be collected, processed, […]

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