Smooth first take for live-streamed hearing

Hong Kong's first live streaming of a hearing went without a hitch in the top court yesterday.

People could watch the video on the website of the Court of Final Appeal but not record the video for that would be considered contempt of court or a copyright infringement.

The judiciary announced last month it was commencing the trial run of live broadcasting of selected hearings to enhance the transparency of court procedures, with open justice a fundamental principle of maintaining public confidence in the judicial system and upholding the rule of law.

"The primary objective of the trial run is to test the technical feasibility of the arrangements, including the information technology and audio-visual setup as well as the logistical and operational details before, during and after the hearings," an official said.

Not all hearings are appropriate for live broadcasting, though appellate proceedings, particularly hearings in the CFA, are considered suitable.

The live streaming involved a case about a lesbian who appealed against the Legal Aid Department's withdrawal of her legal aid application for a judicial review of same-sex partner rights.

The live broadcasting incorporates a computerized queuing system to arrange viewers in sequence without showing their number.

Individuals who wish to watch the live stream are also required to agree to specific terms and conditions, including a prohibition on unauthorized audio or video recording, screen capturing, copying, editing or uploading any part of a live webcast.

Starting from 10.04am, the live streaming was generally smooth. The sound was clear with a stable signal, although the image was sometimes slightly blurred.

One camera captured senior counsels Jonathan Chang Tin-yan and Abraham Chan Lok-shung, who represented an appellant and the respondent respectively when presenting in turns, while three split screens at the bottom featured trial judges Roberto Ribeiro, Joseph Paul Fok, Johnson Lam Man-hon, Robert Tang Kwok-ching and Nicholas Phillip.

Another live streaming is arranged for a court proceeding at 10am on Tuesday.

It involves a case about Donora Company appealing against the Incorporated Owners of Tsuen Kam Center for the maintenance responsibilities of the external wall of a shopping mall.

People can view court proceedings playbacks on the CFA website for two to three days after a hearing date and check the core written materials on the web site before a hearing.

Live broadcasting of court proceedings outside court premises may be considered in the longer term after taking into account the technical feasibility assessment, court users' feedback and operational experience from the trial run.

stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com