How retrospective is Huang Ruifang?
While Huang Ruifang (No 3) had reduced the sentence for trafficking certain dangerous drugs, a natural question follows: How far back does it apply to other cases?
The Right to Silence
Hong Kong remains one of the few places in the common law world where the right to silence is unaffected by legislation. The Court of Final Appeal examined different aspects of this right in two rulings over two years.
Remote hearings expanded to Criminal courts
The judiciary is trialling remote hearings for High Court bail proceedings. The first two hearings occurred on 12 January 2026.
Ketamine guideline to be reviewed
Following the sentencing guidelines review for trafficking in Cocaine, Heroin, and Ice in Huang Ruifang. The Court of Appeal is set to review the sentencing scheme for Ketamine.
Frozen Gametes Relaxed in Hong Kong and more
Use of reproductive technology in Hong Kong is relaxing after more than two decades. From 1 December 2025, gametes for self-use can be frozen without a time limit.
Court of Appeal to review the 3 Tests
After leave to appeal was granted in HKSAR v Yau Kai-fung, the Court of Appeal may soon review the sentencing approach for trafficking in multiple dangerous drugs.
New Breach of Trust Theft Sentence Calculator
A new Sentencing Calculator is now available for theft cases that involve a breach of trust, such as an employee stealing from an employer.
What makes an “advertisement”?
The thin line between product display and advertising was examined in the High Court regarding the sale of cigarettes in a convenience store.
Increased Employees’ Compensation in 2025
The employees’ compensation scheme of Hong Kong sees a rise in compensation levels from 17 April 2025.
Heroin, Cocaine, and Ice trafficking updated in the Sentencing Calculator
The Sentencing Calculator has been updated following the Court of Appeal’s latest sentencing guideline in HKSAR v Huang Ruifang (黃瑞芳) [2025] HKCA 234
New Sentencing Guideline for Cocaine, Heroin, and Ice
The Court of Appeal seized a rare opportunity, in a case that spanned over eight years, to review the sentencing guidelines for cocaine, heroin, and ice. In this unusual decision, the sentence for trafficking an exceptionally large quantity of drugs was reduced.