香港民事訴訟制度改革之回顧與前瞻

The Past, Present and Future of the Reform of Civil Procedure Law in Hong Kong

香港的民事司法改革歷時十年，彰顯了民事司法理念的深度變遷，對民事司法制度的發展具有里程碑意義。新規則自2009年4月2日正式施行以來進展大致順利，在克服訴訟拖延、促進和解、發展調解等方面取得了一定成效，但改革終究不是一蹴而就的紙面化改造。在新制度與舊觀念相互碰撞又各自發揮作用的時期，如欲推翻法律職業者乃至普通民眾的思維定勢，變革深埋於制度底層的文化樣態。其中的困難同樣是顯而易見的。The civil justice reform in Hong Kong lasted about ten years, which reflects the profound changes of civil justice ideas and is a milestone in the development of civil procedural system. The new rules have been enforced since February 2, 2009, and generally operate smoothly. It is effective in reducing delay, facilitating settlement, developing mediation, among others. Nevertheless, the reform cannot be accomplished in an action. The new regimes and old conception may collide with each other. It must be difficult to remove the habitual thinking of lawyers and common people and to change the culture rooted in the old system.