Legal Affairs EP15 | Promotion of rule of law requires efforts of all citizens: youth legal practitioner

The concepts of rule of law and justice are not just exclusive to the legal profession, but are important to everyone in the community.

During the five-day Hong Kong Legal Week, which just concluded in late November, one of the panel sessions was about how to mobilize the younger generation to promote the rule of law in the community.

In this edition of Legal Affairs, we are glad to invite Sharon Tam, vice chairman of the organizing committee of Teen Talk of the Law Society and member of the National Youth Federation, and Fiona Chan, an OC member of Teen Talk, to share with us the takeaway from the panel discussion and the understanding and practice of the rule of law among young people.

Tam pointed out that the public and the younger generation may have been given inaccurate information and knowledge about the "rule of law" due to some TV dramas. As a practicing legal professional, she said it is important to clarify to the public and students the correct concept of the rule of law and how the legal system actually works.

Tam also mentioned that the panel included a doctoral student who was born and raised on the Mainland and came to HK to study law. She said that the member used the analogy of playing mahjong to discuss her personal views on how to promote and consolidate the rule of law in HK from the perspective of a non-local. Besides, the suggestions shared by law students from Singapore and Malaysia, such as the provision of unpaid legal aid hours for law students and the development of student-led legal projects, are also valuable references for the promotion of the rule of law in the city.

The rule of law, without a doubt, has always been the cornerstone of HK's success. Tam shared her rich practical experience on how young people in HK can better promote the rule of law and raise awareness of the rule of law, mentioning three key elements: self-confidence, enthusiasm and more participation.

"They may be inexperienced and immature, but they are likely to be the most suitable builders and promoters of the rule of law in the new era," she added.

Watch the video now for more details.