The Hong Kong Legal Information Institute (Hklii): Its Role in Free Access to Global Law Via the Internet

Abstract

The importance of free access to essential legal information to the rule of law is outlined, and the role of Legal Information Institutes (LIIs) in providing such access. The main features of the new Hong Kong Legal Information Institute (HKLII) are described, and its differences from pre-existing systems. HKLII is the first LII in Asia: a free, independent, and non-profit Internet facility providing relatively comprehensive coverage of the essential legal information of a jurisdiction (Hong Kong). This paper describes HKLII's first year (July 2001 - July 2002), from the first discussions on its possible creation to the installation of its own server in Hong Kong. It explains that the development of HKLII has been made possible by the policies of the HKSAR government and judiciary supporting access to legal information. Future development of HKLII is discussed, and its potential impact on free access to legal information elsewhere in China and in Asia.

HKLII is a partner in the development of the World Legal Information Institute (WorldLII). The scope and facilities of WorldLII are described briefly, and its relationship with HKLII is used to demonstrate how legal resources from one jurisdiction can be incorporated into a global and comprehensive approach to free access legal research.

Keywords: Internet, computerised legal research, Hong Kong, legal information institute, access to law