Court of Final Appeal Building

Last updated

Court of Final Appeal Building
終審法院大樓
Court of Final Appeal Building.jpg
Court of Final Appeal Building
Court of Final Appeal Building
Former namesSupreme Court Building
Legislative Council Building
General information
TypeCourt building
Architectural style Neo-classical
Location Hong Kong
Address8 Jackson Road, Central
Coordinates 22°16′52″N114°09′36″E / 22.280996°N 114.160116°E / 22.280996; 114.160116
Completed15 January 1912;111 years ago (1912-01-15)
Opened7 September 2015;8 years ago (2015-09-07) (current use)
Renovated2013–2015
Owner Judiciary of Hong Kong
Dimensions
Diameter70 m × 38 m (230 ft × 125 ft)
Design and construction
Architect(s)Sir Aston Webb
Ingress Bell

On the south side [of Statue Square] stands the New Law Courts. It was designed in England, and the only feature of note is the inartistic roof. Like all buildings erected by the Government, the edifice has been in course of construction nearly 15 years, and is still not completed. All the granite used in the construction of this massive block of buildings is the product of the Island and the mainland.

Contents

Picturesque Hong Kong: a handbook for travellers. Hong Kong: Tillotson & Sons. 1911. pp.67–68 [1]

Classical architecture was used in the design of the building. Legislative Council building.JPG
Classical architecture was used in the design of the building.

The Court of Final Appeal Building, also known as the Old Supreme Court Building, is the home of the Court of Final Appeal of Hong Kong. It housed the former Supreme Court from 1912 to 1983 and the Legislative Council from 1985 to 2011. It is located at 8 Jackson Road, in Central, [2] along the eastern side of Statue Square, directly west of Chater Garden. As the Old Supreme Court, its exterior is one of the declared monuments of Hong Kong.

History

The building was designed by Sir Aston Webb and Ingress Bell, [3] the British architects responsible for the eastern façade of Buckingham Palace [2] and the Cromwell Road frontage of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Construction of the building started in 1900 and it was opened on 15 January 1912 by the Governor Sir Frederick Lugard. [2] The two-storey granite building is neo-classical in style supported by Ionic columns. It is surmounted by a 2.7 m high blindfolded statue of Justice, represented by Themis, the Greek Goddess of Justice and Law. [3] This statue was inspired by the one erected at London's Old Bailey.

During the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong (December 1941 to August 1945), the building was used as the headquarters of the Kempeitai (Military Police). [2]

In 1978, this building was severely affected by the construction of MTR, requiring restoration work. [3] As a consequence, for part of the early 1980s, the Supreme Court was moved to the Former French Mission Building, [4] which was then used by the Victoria District Court.

In 1985, the building took up service as home to the Legislative Council, when it was known as 'the Legislative Council Building', while the Supreme Court moved to the Supreme Court Building in Admiralty - renamed the High Court Building in 1997.

In 2011, the Legislative Council moved into the new Legislative Council Complex within the Central Government Complex at Tamar site.

On 7 September 2015, [5] the building reverted to its former judicial function. It now houses the Court of Final Appeal. The opening ceremony was held on 25 September 2015 by the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal Geoffrey Ma Tao-li. [6]

Architectural features

The building was erected on reclaimed land. Its foundation was formed by driving hundreds of Chinese fir tree trunks into the mixture of reclamation materials and silt on the site. As a consequence, the Building is in effect "floating" on a timber raft. Such a foundation system requires the groundwater level to be maintant level, and a groundwater replenishment system is installed to replace groundwater as required. [2]

The plan of the building follows a rectangular pattern and is symmetrical. The building occupies an area of around 2,660 square metres (28,600 sq ft) (about 70 by 38 metres (230 ft × 125 ft)) and is surrounded by columns. Its height, fronze Tudor Crown, is about 40 metres (130 ft). [2]

Themis and the royal coat of arms HK Central Statue Square Legislative Council Building n Themis n Lions n Dieu et mon droit.JPG
Themis and the royal coat of arms

A pediment surmounts the central section of the building facing Statue Square. The pediment is topped by a Statue of Justice and under it is the inscription "Erected AD MDCCCCX" (Erected AD 1910). The pediment incorporates a semi-circular window and the carving of the British royal coat of arms is above it. The shield shows the various royal emblems of the various parts of the United Kingdom: the three lions of England in the first and fourth quarters, the lion of Scotland in the second and the harp of Ireland in the third. The shield is supported by the English lion and Scottish unicorn and is surmounted by the royal crown. The motto of the sovereign, Dieu et mon droit (God and my right), is displayed underneath it. The figures of Mercy and Truth are located on both sides of the British royal arms. [2]

Interior of the building as the Legislative Council Building (1985 to 2011)

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Statue Square</span> Square in Hong Kong

Statue Square is a public pedestrian square in Central, Hong Kong. Built entirely on reclaimed land at the end of the 19th century, Statue Square consists of two parts separated by Chater Road into a northern and a southern section. It is bordered by Connaught Road Central in the north and by Des Voeux Road Central in the south.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wisconsin State Capitol</span> State capitol building of the U.S. state of Wisconsin

The Wisconsin State Capitol, located in Madison, Wisconsin, houses both chambers of the Wisconsin legislature along with the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the Office of the Governor. Completed in 1917, the building is the fifth to serve as the Wisconsin capitol since the first territorial legislature convened in 1836 and the third building since Wisconsin was granted statehood in 1848. The Wisconsin State Capitol is the tallest building in Madison, a distinction that has been preserved by legislation that prohibits buildings taller than the columns surrounding the dome. The Capitol is located at the southwestern end of the Madison Isthmus. The streets surrounding the building form the Capitol Square, which is home to many restaurants and shops.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maryland State House</span> State capitol building of the U.S. state of Maryland

The Maryland State House is located in Annapolis, Maryland. It is the oldest U.S. state capitol in continuous legislative use, dating to 1772 and houses the Maryland General Assembly, plus the offices of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. In 1783 and 1784 it served as the capitol building of the United States Congress of the Confederation, and is where Ratification Day, the formal end of the American Revolutionary War, occurred.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Court of Final Appeal (Hong Kong)</span> Final appellate court of Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal is the final appellate court of Hong Kong. It was established on 1 July 1997, upon the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, replacing the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council as the highest judicial institution under Hong Kong law. As defined in Articles 19 and 85 of the Basic Law of Hong Kong, the Court of Final Appeal "exercises judicial power in the Region independently and free from any interference." The Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Ordinance and the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Rules set out the detailed functions and procedures of the court.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hong Kong City Hall</span> Amenity building in Central, Hong Kong

Hong Kong City Hall is a building located at Edinburgh Place, Central, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chater Road</span> Three-lane road in Central, Hong Kong

Chater Road is a three-lane road in Central, Hong Kong named after Sir Paul Chater. It begins at its intersection with Pedder Street and Des Voeux Road Central in the west, and ends at Murray Road in the east. It divides Statue Square into a southern and a northern sections.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Parliament House, Edinburgh</span> Former parliament building in Edinburgh, now housing the Supreme Courts of Scotland

Parliament House in the Old Town in Edinburgh, Scotland, is a complex of several buildings housing the Supreme Courts of Scotland. The oldest part of the complex was home to the Parliament of Scotland from 1639 to 1707, and is the world's first purpose-built parliament building. Located just off the Royal Mile, beside St Giles' Cathedral, Parliament House is also the headquarters of the Faculty of Advocates, the Society of Writers to His Majesty's Signet, and the Society of Solicitors in the Supreme Courts of Scotland. Other buildings in the complex include the Advocates Library and the Signet Library. The entire complex is a Category A Listed building.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Supreme Court of the United Kingdom</span> Final court of appeal in the United Kingdom

The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom is the final court of appeal in the United Kingdom for all civil cases, and for criminal cases originating in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. As the United Kingdom’s highest appellate court for these matters, it hears cases of the greatest public or constitutional importance affecting the whole population.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Former French Mission Building</span> Monument in Hong Kong

The Former French Mission Building is a declared monument located on Government Hill at 1, Battery Path, Central, Hong Kong. It housed the Court of Final Appeal of Hong Kong from 1 July 1997 to 6 September 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Supreme Court (Hong Kong)</span>

The Supreme Court of Hong Kong was the highest court in Hong Kong prior to the transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China in 1997 and heard cases of first instance and appeals from the District and Magisrates Courts as well as certain tribunals. The Supreme Court was from 1976 made up of the High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mandalay Palace</span> Royal Resident for Majesty in Mandalay, Myanmar

The Mandalay Palace, located in Mandalay, Myanmar, is the last royal palace of the last Burmese monarchy. The palace was constructed between 1857 and 1859 as part of King Mindon's founding of the new royal capital city of Mandalay. The plan of Mandalay Palace largely follows the traditional Burmese palace design; it is inside a walled fort surrounded by a moat. The palace itself is at the centre of the citadel and faces east. All buildings of the palace are of one storey in height. The number of spires above a building indicated the importance of the area below.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Former Central Government Offices</span> Office complex in Central, Hong Kong

The Former Central Government Offices, now called Justice Place, is an office building complex that formerly housed most of the major offices of the Hong Kong Government. The complex is located in Central, Hong Kong, occupying the lower level of Government Hill. The offices of the government have been relocated to the Main Block of the Central Government Complex, Tamar.

The Hong Kong order of precedence is a nominal and symbolic hierarchy of important positions within the Government of Hong Kong. Administered by the government's Protocol Division, the hierarchy does not determine the order of succession for the office of Chief Executive, which is instead specified by the Basic Law of Hong Kong.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pedder Street</span> Street in Hong Kong

Pedder Street is a major thoroughfare in the core of Hong Kong's Central District. It runs south–north from Queen's Road Central, continues through Des Voeux Road Central, and ends at its intersection with Connaught Road Central.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brussels Town Hall</span> Historic building and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Brussels, Belgium

The Town Hall of the City of Brussels is a landmark building and the seat of the City of Brussels municipality of Brussels, Belgium. It is located on the south side of the famous Grand-Place/Grote Markt, opposite the neo-Gothic King's House or Bread House building, housing the Brussels City Museum.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Island Resort (Hong Kong)</span> Private housing estate in Hong Kong

Island Resort is a high-rise complex located in the Siu Sai Wan area of Hong Kong. Construction of the complex began in 1999, and was completed in 2001. It is also the 71st tallest building in Hong Kong, tied with The Dynasty Tower.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hong Kong Police Headquarters</span> Office in Wan Chai, Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Police Headquarters or HKPHQ are located at 1 Arsenal Street, Wan Chai, on Hong Kong Island. It is the headquarters of the Hong Kong Police Force.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central and Western District</span> District of Hong Kong

The Central and Western District located on northwestern part of Hong Kong Island is one of the 18 administrative districts of Hong Kong. It had a population of 243,266 in 2016. The district has the most educated residents with the second highest income and the third lowest population due to its relatively small size.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Legislative Council Complex</span> Hong Kong legislative building

The Legislative Council Complex is the headquarters of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong. The complex is located at 1 Legislative Council Road, Central, Hong Kong.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Supreme Court of Brunei Darussalam</span> National supreme court

The Supreme Court of Brunei Darussalam is the highest court of Brunei Darussalam, though its decisions are subject to appeal in civil cases to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. The Chief Justice and other Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the Sultan of Brunei to sit in judgment of the most acrimonious contentions in the country.

References

  1. Picturesque Hong Kong: A Handbook for Travellers. Hong Kong: Printed by Tillotson & Sons. 1911.[ permanent dead link ]
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Legislative Council Secretariat, Information Note IN26/02-03: The Legislative Council Building (PDF), archived from the original (PDF) on 3 March 2016.
  3. 1 2 3 "The Legislative Council Building". Legislative Council. Archived from the original on 23 November 2011.
  4. Roberts, Denys (2006). Another Disaster: Hong Kong Sketches. The Radcliffe Press. pp. 87–88. ISBN   9781845111120.
  5. Cheung, Karen (7 September 2015). "Court of Final Appeal moves into former Legislative Council Building". Hong Kong Free Press. Retrieved 10 May 2019.
  6. "Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal Building opens". GlobalPost. Xinhua News Agency. 25 September 2015. Archived from the original on 27 September 2015. Retrieved 26 September 2015.

22°16′52″N114°09′36″E / 22.280996°N 114.160116°E / 22.280996; 114.160116

Court of Final Appeal Building
Traditional Chinese 終審法院大樓
Simplified Chinese 终审法院大楼
Preceded by
Exchange Building
Home of the
Supreme Court of Hong Kong

1912–1981
Succeeded by
Preceded by Home of the
Legislative Council of Hong Kong

1985–1997
Succeeded by
Preceded by Home of the
Provisional Legislative Council of Hong Kong

1997–1998
Succeeded by
Legislative Council Building as home to Legislative Council of Hong Kong SAR
Preceded by Home of the
Legislative Council of Hong Kong SAR

1998–2011
Succeeded by
Preceded by Home of the
Court of Final Appeal of Hong Kong SAR

2015 present
Succeeded by
current