Sweet & Maxwell Asia. The Journal's web site is located at http://www.hku.hk/law/hklj/
Abstract
AnalysisThe Hong Kong administration has expressed a wish to amend the Crimes Ordinance to introduce an offence of persistent sexual abuse of a child. The proposal is a direct response to the decision of the Court of Final Appeal quashing the convictions of Chim Hon Man in 1998. The proposal to introduce the new offence has created much controversy, largely stemming from fears that the prosecution of this offence will severely abrogate a defendant's right to a fair trial. This article considers the history of the proposal and what it is hoped will be achieved by the amendment and evaluates the criticism of the proposal. Finally, the author offers a suggested solution to the difficulties.published_or_final_versio
