Moot Court Summer School - Toward a Secure Cyberspace

Smartphones and social media have become an inseparable part of our daily lives. The pandemic is also transforming our digital habits. However, the number of technology crimes has increased almost five times from 2011 to 20201. Also, a study finds that more than a third of young people in 30 countries report being a victim of online bullying2, which has caused great concern. 

Therefore, this year’s Advanced Moot Court Summer School will focus on “the Hidden Threats of Cyber Crimes”. Participants are invited to ponder over real-world legal implications of actions on the internet. By understanding relevant criminal offences and applying the legal principles, participants will study how to analyse moot cases critically. The Programme also offers an elementary session for junior form students to learn relevant legal concepts related to the Hidden Faces of Cyberbullying gradually, enhancing participants' interest in public speaking and debating, and developing their critical thinking skills. 

Partnering with legal practitioners and adopting the “Street Law” methodology, participants will learn how to read legal cases, conduct legal research and experience how to engage in oral argument and persuasive advocacy in simulated court proceedings in a six-day intensive training. At last, participants will take part in mooting and mock trial competitions at the Institute’s Former Court No. 2. 
 

科技發展一日千里，我們的日常生活已離不開智能手機及社交媒體。疫情影響之下，網絡活動亦進入「新常態」。科技罪案數字卻由2011年至2020年間上升接近五倍1。若不提高警惕，青年便很容易墮入騙案或觸犯法例。同時，全球三十個國家的三分一年輕人表示曾是網絡欺凌受害者2，情況令人關注。

有見及此，今年的模擬法庭暑期學校進階課程將圍繞「網絡罪行危機」，讓學員了解現行法律框架下，有機會構成犯罪或具爭議之行為，藉此培養學員成為負責任的數碼公民。學院今年亦首次開辦初階課程，讓初中生亦能循序漸進地了解「網絡欺凌隱患」相關的法律概念，培養學員演說及辯論的興趣，並提高慎思明辨的能力。

課程由專業法律界人士撰寫案件並採用Street Law的方法，學員需在為期六天的課程中進行一連串資料搜集、學習法律寫作及辯論技巧，最後更會於學院內的前二號法庭參與模擬法庭聆訊，實地體驗模擬審理程序。
 
1. https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202104/10/P2021041000765.htm
2. https://news.un.org/zh/story/2019/09/1040652
 

In collaboration with CUHK Global Studies Programme and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Pre-University Pilot Programme has been held successfully. The Programme consists of two phases with respect to the themes of “COVID-19 and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Development” and “Shaping a digital world”. 

A new learning model UN Simulation was introduced to Phase Two of the Programme. Participants were required to work in groups as delegations representing 19 countries in a Model United Nations to discuss and draft resolutions on “Global Digital Charter” at the Institute's Digital Debate and Speaking Chamber. It allowed participants to gain better knowledge about the work of international organisations and their responsibilities of being global citizens. This Programme affords participants the insights and inspiration to make positive changes in reaching digital inclusion for the global community.
 

To ensure impartiality, there are three independent passages with separate entrances to the Court in the Magistracy: one for Magistrates, one for the general public, and one for police and defendants. 

The former defendants’ carport is the first point of arrival for defendants who were sent to the Magistracy. It is connected to the controlled corridor and the detention cells, ensuring the defendants would not have any contact with the public or the Magistrates before going to trial.

The original metal grilles and mesh and metal gate were preserved. The spot is now used as a multi-function room, where the Mixed Reality Game begins. Using mixed reality technology, the game allows the participants to appreciate the heritage and understand the Magistracy’s history while taking part in leadership training activities. It is the first digital conservation trail in Hong Kong.

為確保司法公正不倚，前粉嶺裁判法院內有三條獨立通道前往法庭，分別屬於裁判官、公眾人士、警員與被告。

被告由警員陪同下乘坐囚車前往法院後，囚車會停泊位於法院地下左翼的車庫，被告將在此處進入法院。囚車停泊處只連接拘留室，確保被告進入法院後，不會與公眾人士和裁判官接觸。

法院改建後，囚車停泊處現在已變身為多用途活動室，作領袖訓練用途，但同時亦保留原有的金屬圍欄及閘門。這裡也是香港首條數碼文物保育徑的第一站，利用混合實境技術製作的遊戲《法院⾵雲》，讓學生欣賞法院的建築及歷史之餘，亦可以進行領袖培訓。