Create Judge Training Pathway to Tackle Hong Kong Courtroom Delays: Think Tank

A recent report from POD Research Institute highlights a pressing concern that has gone unaddressed in Hong Kong’s judicial system: courtroom delays. According to official figures, the average waiting time between a case’s first mention and the start of a trial at the District Court was 337 days last year. The average duration between the filing of an indictment and the beginning of a hearing at the Court of First Instance for criminal cases reached 368 days in 2025.

These delays have serious implications for human rights and the rule of law. Ronny Tong, founder of POD Research Institute, warns that prolonged waits can undermine protections and erode trust in the system. In Hong Kong, where justice is meant to be swift and fair, such delays are a stark reminder that something is broken.

The numbers are indeed alarming: a 24.2% vacancy rate among judges and judicial officers cannot be ignored. This shortage of personnel exacerbates the problem, forcing cases to be delayed further while waiting for a judge or hearing officer to become available. Defendants denied bail in serious cases may languish in detention for months without facing justice.

Hong Kong’s judicial system is not unique in facing these challenges; many countries struggle with similar problems due to increasing caseloads and resource constraints. However, Hong Kong prides itself on being a bastion of rule of law and human rights. The territory has long provided a fair and efficient justice system, but these delays raise questions about its commitment.

To address the crisis, POD Research Institute is proposing the creation of a judge training pathway to equip judges with the necessary skills to manage their caseloads effectively, reduce waiting times, and uphold the rule of law. While well-intentioned, such proposals often overlook systemic issues that led to these delays in the first place.

A more comprehensive approach would require examining Hong Kong’s judicial system as a whole. This might involve streamlining procedures, investing in technology to improve court efficiency, or revisiting resource allocation. By tackling root causes rather than treating symptoms, policymakers can ensure justice is served without sacrificing rights and dignity of those awaiting trial.

Reducing waiting times is crucial for safeguarding human rights, but acknowledging the complexities behind these delays is equally important. Until Hong Kong’s judicial system provides timely and effective justice to all, its reputation as a champion of the rule of law will remain tarnished. The time for excuses is over; it’s time for action.