Court of Final Appeal, Supreme court in Central District, Hong Kong.
The Court of Final Appeal is Hong Kong's highest court, housed in a colonial-style building with granite walls, copper domes, and classical architectural features on Jackson Road. The building includes public galleries where visitors can observe proceedings during scheduled sessions.
Established in 1997 after Hong Kong's return to China, the court replaced the London-based Judicial Committee of the Privy Council as the territory's supreme judicial authority. This shift marked Hong Kong's legal independence under its new governance structure.
The court blends Chinese and British legal traditions in its operations and architectural design. Visitors can observe this fusion of both cultures reflected in how the institution functions and in the building's details.
Public galleries are freely accessible to visitors during scheduled proceedings, though it is wise to check session timings in advance. Visitors should follow gallery rules to avoid disrupting court activities.
Non-permanent judges from Commonwealth nations such as the United Kingdom and Australia regularly participate in court proceedings, bringing their legal perspectives. This international composition of justices is uncommon for an Asian court.
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