| (a) |
The Working Party on Scope of Legal Aid set up in May 2002 will continue studying the relevant issues aside from the social class to be targeted by legal aid and the adequacy of the CPI(C), as recommended by the Interest Group on the Scope of Legal Aid.
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| (b) |
Council has set up a Working Party on the Institution of Legal Aid to compile a document on the philosophic and rational basis for the institution of legal aid. The Working Party will continue its deliberation in 2005-2006 with the view to publishing the document by mid 2006.
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| (c) |
Council will continue to discuss with the Administration possible ways to address problems caused by the current quorum requirement.
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| (d) |
Council will study the consultation paper on conditional fees to be published by the Law Reform Commission.
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| (e) |
Council has engaged consultants to study the relevant legal aid practices on cost control and monitoring of case progress in other jurisdictions. The consultant's report was available in March 2005 and Council will consider its findings.
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| (f) |
In reviewing the Section 26A legal aid scheme, Council has proposed to the Director of Administration a monitoring arrangement for assigned lawyers and to expand the scope of the scheme to cover application to the Chief Executive to invoke Section 83P of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance. Council will continue to examine the issues in 2005-2006.
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| (g) |
Council has established a Working Party to consider ways to improve transfer of information between Council and LAD. The Working Party will continue its work in 2005-2006.
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| (h) |
The Council has three Interest Groups (IGs) with legal aid panel lawyers, representatives of non-government organizations, District Council members, academics and accountants on three areas of legal aid work. While the three IGs will continue to identify issues and make recommendations to Council, it is important to consider how new members may be facilitated in familiarizing and participating in the work of the IGs.
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| (i) |
Council has visited seven District Councils in 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 to discuss legal aid issues. It is proposed that another round of visits be initiated in 2005-06.
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| (j) |
Following amendments to the Legal Aid Services Council Ordinance later in the year to enable Council to employ its own staff, it will be necessary to formulate staff management policies and systems for Council's staff.
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| (k) |
To start planning on Council's 10th Anniversary.
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| (l) |
To pursue a fundamental enhancement of the legal aid system, and identify the timing.
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| (m) |
To increase Council resources including non-government funding.
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| (n) |
To secure public relations resources to form a public education plan.
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| (o) |
To conduct a public opinion survey on public awareness of Council's functions.
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