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Court Security > Advice to Court Users Observing Court Proceedings

Advice to Court Users Observing Court Proceedings

To uphold the independence, impartiality and integrity of the Judiciary, all court users observing court proceedings have to abide by the following laws and rules which seek to maintain the solemnity of court proceedings, and ensure the safe, fair and orderly operation of the court.

  1. Maintain good order and be quiet at all times;
  2. Do not engage in disruptive conduct such as shouting, clapping, chanting of slogans or displaying of placards, etc.;
  3. Do not cause any danger, damage, disruption or disorderNote 1;
  4. Do not disturb, harass or intimidate the parties, their legal representatives, the jurors, witnesses, or other court users such as yelling, using abusive language, causing obstructions or stalking, etc.;
  5. Dress neatly and appropriately in a manner commensurate with the dignity of the court;
  6. Do not take any photograph, make any video or audio recording, live stream or draw in the courtroom during a court proceeding or publish such recording (including its reproduction)Note 2;
  7. Do no record or publish a broadcast proceeding (including its reproduction)Note 3;
  8. Do not engage in any activities not related to court business or observation of court proceedings, such as eating, drinking, reading newspaper or magazines, etc.;
  9. Do not use mobile phones or other mobile communication devices for verbal communicationsNote 4;
  10. For court proceedings involving jury, completely switch off all mobile phones and any other devices with photo-taking or video-recording capability. Such devices must also be put inside bags or pocketsNote 5; and
  11. Follow the instructions of the Judiciary staff and security personnel.

In addition, the presiding Judge or Judicial Officer at a hearing has the power to give specific directions on case management and related matters as and when required for ensuring due administration of justice. Such directions may be related to the court users' attire, behaviour and the objects that they display, etc.

Failure to comply with the above laws, rules and/or directions of the Judges or Judicial Officers, Judiciary staff and security personnel may result in denial of entry into, removal from and/or refusal of re-entry into courtrooms or court premises. Any violation of law, rules and/or directions may be reported to the Police or other appropriate authorities. They may also amount to a contempt of court.

Judiciary Administration
March 2025

Note 1 Please see House Rules for the Maintenance of Order and Security on Court Premises for details.

Note 2 Please see section 26 of the Courts (Remote Hearing) Ordinance (Cap. 654) for details. Non-compliance of this provision is a criminal offence punishable with a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment and a fine of $100,000.

Note 3 Please see section 27 of the Courts (Remote Hearing) Ordinance (Cap. 654) for details. Non-compliance of this provision is a criminal offence punishable with a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment and a fine of $100,000.

Note 4 Please see Practice Direction - 32 for details.

Note 5 Please see Practice Direction - 35 for details.