The Court of Final Appeal

History of The Court of Final Appeal

Past:

In the late 19th century, a committee in Hong Kong considered ideas for relocating the Supreme Court and government offices to a site on the Central Reclamation. The construction began in 1900. In 1912, the Court of Final Appeal Building was officially opened. It served as the Supreme Court and offices of the Attorney General and Crown Solicitor.

During the Japanese Occupation, the building became the headquarters of the military police. After World War II, it continued to be used as Supreme Court, until 1984.

From 1985 to 2011, the building served as home to the Legislative Council and associated facilities, which was known as the Legislative Council Building.

Present:

From 2015 onwards, the building reverted to its judicial function. It now houses the Court of Final Appeal. It hears appeals from in civil and criminal matters from the High Court. It plays an important role in the development of the common law.

Architectural style

The CFA building adopted a neo-classical style. The blindfolded statue of the Goddess of Justice on the building holds a scale on the right and a sword on the left, representing the unselfishness of the great justice.

Opening Hours: 8:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

(Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays)

Location: 8 Jackson Road, Central, Hong Kong

Recommended sightseeing hours: 0.5-1 hour

Source:

https://www.hkcfa.hk/en/visiting/cfa_building/CFAB/index.html

https://www.hkcfa.hk/en/about/overview/index.html

https://www.legco.gov.hk/yr02-03/chinese/sec/library/0203in26c.pdf