Sponsored by British Consulate-General and organised by the British Council, Access to Justice 2004 was the third conference in the series since its launch in 1999 by Helena Kennedy.

The theme this year was to provide a snapshot of the current legal framework in the UK and highlight trends and developments which might be of interest to the legal community in Hong Kong.

Speakers

• The RT Hon Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers
  Master of the Rolls and Head of Civil Justice
• Paul Jenkins
  Legal & International Director, Department for Constitutional Affairs
• Professor Hazel Genn CBE
  Faculty of Law, University College London
• Alison Hannah
  Director, Legal Action Group
• Maya Sikand
  Barrister, Two Garden Court Chambers

Presentation Topics

Lord Phillips

• The role of the judiciary in Access to Justice
• His role in the civil justice system

Paul Jenkins

• Government initiatives on Access to Justice and Rule of Law
• Constitutional changes in the Supreme Court, appointment of the judiciary
• Departmental strategy - putting the needs of citizens for Access to Justice central to the department's thinking and approach
• User-friendly methods of dispute resolution

Hazel Genn

• Developments in understanding public needs for legal services - fruther research building on Paths to Justice
• Identification of the link between legal problems and social exclusion, how the needs of the public for advice and assistance is met
• Access to administrative tribunals and experience in promoting mediation for civil and family disputes

Alison Hannah

• The role of solicitors and citizens advice bureaux in improving Access to Justice
• Developments in legal service delivery
• New ways of offering legal help to particular groups

Maya Sikand

• The role of the Bar in Access to Justice with a focus on development of actions challenging government decisions (judicial review), particularly in criminal cases
• An introduction to a special programme that provides specialist support for housing, employment and immigration cases