Legal Update - Gordon Chan, Esq

No Property in a Body

It’s not common for people to argue over a dead body. However, as shown in a recent case, when they do, it is not a piece of property that can be inherited as part of the estate.

The Curious Case of Bus Seat Belts

Wearing a seat belt can save lives. But the implementation of the latest seat belt regulations leaves bus passengers confused.

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?

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.