Magistrates' Court (Hong Kong)


Magistrates' Courts in Hong Kong have criminal jurisdiction over a wide range of offenses, and in general these offenses must only constitute two years' imprisonment or a fine of HKD 100,000; in certain circumstances, sentences of 3 years may be imposed. All criminal proceedings must begin in the magistrates' courts; the Secretary for Justice may transfer cases to either the District Court or the Court of First Instance depending on the seriousness of the crime.
All judges and magistrates must have been qualified as legal practitioners either in Hong Kong or in another common law jurisdiction and have had substantial professional experience.

Court Structure

Chief Magistrate

The Chief Magistrate is the Court Leader and is responsible for the overall administration of the Magistrates' Courts.

Principal Magistrate

A Principal Magistrate is in charge of one of the seven Magistrates' Courts.

Permanent Magistrate

A Permanent Magistrate is a full-time magistrate, and is assigned to sit in one of the seven Magistrates' Courts. The Chief Justice frequently makes short-term appointments of Permanent Magistrates to sit on the District Court.

Special Magistrate

A Special Magistrate is also a full-time magistrate, but is assigned to deal with various kinds of departmental summons including minor offenses such as traffic contraventions. Their sentencing power is limited to a maximum fine of $50,000 or as specified in their warrants of appointment.

Deputy Magistrate / Deputy Special Magistrate

A Deputy Magistrate or Deputy Special Magistrate is assigned by the Chief Justice for such period and on such terms as he or she thinks fit. This makes additional manpower available to the Magistrates' Courts while also giving eligible persons experience on the bench, before he or she commits to a full-time posting or returns to private practice.

Eligibility and Retirement

Since 2019, the retirement age for magistrates' have been 65.

List of Chief Magistrates Since 1997

Gallery of Magistrates' Courts