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The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:

The Fanling Magistrates' Courts will commence operation in the newly completed Fanling Law Courts Building from July 2.

The 11-storey new building, which has a total floor area of 18,720 square meters, is located at 1 Pik Fung Road, Fanling, New Territories.

"It has always been the aim of the Judiciary to upgrade court facilities to better serve the community," a Judiciary spokesman said.

"The new building is equipped with modern communication network and office automation devices to cater for the needs of court users.

"Digital Audio Recording System, audio-video presentation facilities, close circuit TV system for vulnerable witnesses and an electronically controlled security system are installed," the spokesman added.

The Fanling Law Courts Building has a total of nine courtrooms, 16 Witness Waiting Rooms, four Secured Witness Waiting Rooms, eight Consultation Rooms, and robing rooms for lawyers.

There are four courtrooms in the existing Fanling Magistrates' Courts, which have been in use since 1961. The courts handled about 21,800 and 23,200 cases in 2000 and 2001 respectively.

"The existing Fanling Magistrates' Courts building will be handed back to Government Property Agency for disposal," the spokesman said.

End/Saturday, June 29, 2002

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