Many people have questions about the taking of conversion exams. I write the following for the benefit of those reading law in the United Kingdom and are considering how to structure their exam taking.

The main principle is to take the conversion exams as soon as possible. Some, e.g. Legal Systems and Constitutional Law, can be taken immediately after the A-Levels and before the student actually goes to the UK. Other subjects should be taken in the first year. Land law is a difficult subject with low passing rates and should therefore be taken immediately after UK land law as there are some parallels to be drawn

For those anticipating a career as a solicitor, a second year summer internship is inevitable. So most subjects should be taken before that, otherwise you either take an internship or you finish your exams, which is not a savoury choice.

Students should actively pursue exemptions, e.g. evidence, criminal, business associations and part of commercial law. As of 2008 and 2009, the evidence conversion examination is easier than most university evidence courses and students might take advantage of that.

HKU SPACE offers courses on taking the conversion exams. Please rely on student feedback on the courses because lecturers vary. Conversion exams are now a major factor in deciding whether to read undergraduate law outside HK. Unless you are reading law in a major league university in the UK, one should consider reading law in one of the more prominent universities in Hong Kong, e.g. HKU.

The HK Department of Health has ordered the recall of 17 supplements for joints as the manganese content found in them differed to the amount declared on their labels. The department found they contained 10mg of manganese instead of 5mg as per the label – the suggested intake on the packaging would therefore induce overdosage. Manganese is an essential mineral but can cause neurological effects in high doses.

The products, under various brand names (PDF list), were imported by Dragon Link (International) Trading Company. The products were registered over-the-counter pharmaceutical products and supplied to medicine retailers.

Consumers are reminded to stick to reputable health supplement brands with over 70 years standing, such as Nutrilite, for their daily needs.

Triads today are a shadow of the past. Constipated with members without decent education and upbringing, they have no choice but to reduce their entry barriers, removing the poetry-reading requirements and worshipping ceremonies. Moreover, their business practices are impacted by the lack of foresight and leadership at the top, limiting the groups to smaller-scale organised crime such as vending pirated media, managing brothels and gathering protection money. Drug trafficking and money laundering – crimes that require extensive logistical support, experience and know-how, have been hampered by the retirement and death of top triad ‘officers’ as well as the refusal of the lower ranks to educate themselves on the subject matter. The recent economic crisis has had little effect on the activities of triad groups…

Contrary to popular opinion, triad activity in international jurisdictions are relatively quiet, shackled by limited oversight from Hong Kong headquarters. The erosion of traditional values such as tight-knit communities and mutual protection together with international recognition of Chinese economic power have reduced triad activity in international jurisdictions. Indeed, many old ties between Hong Kong groups and satellite groups have been severed by the retirement and death of top triad officers.

Politics and law… do not and should not mix. If an ex-preseident is implicated and convicted, the public have no right to use political pressure or social pressure to try to overturn the judgment. Anyone doing so can possibly be charged with perverting the course of justice.

The courts should not be swayed by public or political will in determining the guilt or innocence of an individual. That is the test of the independence of the judiciary and the possibility of democratic government. A fettered judiciary will inevitably lead to turmoil. An example is the Chinese and Burmese courts. You do not want to be tried in those places. Maybe ex-presidents might want to attempt a hearing in those places…

What does the phrase: “no specific plans to inject assets” mean? If the assets are unascertained, can you have a specific plan? Is this a sliding scale? Must it be put in the context of things? Join the forum discussion on this post – (1) Posts

Sometimes, foreign law gets in the way and lawyers need to tell judges what it is. They way in is to get expert evidence and through expert witnesses as per s.59 of the Evidence Ordinance.

The case of Shenzhen Development Bank v New World Int’l Holdings HCA2976/2001 summarised the function of expert witnesses on foreign law as follows: ……

Join the forum discussion on this post – (1) Posts