Law Society Boosts Youth Rule of Law Education

Law Society Boosts Youth Education on Hong Kong’s Rule of Law

The Law Society of Hong Kong (“the Law Society”) is enhancing efforts to educate young people about Hong Kong’s rule of law through its first-ever children’s illustration book, Legal Bears’ Courtroom Adventure, and an all-English Greater Bay Area (“GBA”) Study Tour.

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Law Society Boosts Youth Education on Hong Kong’s Rule of Law

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Published: 12:06pm, 25 Jul 2025

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Launched at the Hong Kong Book Fair 2025, the illustrated book follows a bear family to a trial at the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal, introducing young readers to the true meaning of the rule of law and the common law system. Crafted with contributions from experienced solicitors, the book conveys complex concepts such as equality before the law and judicial independence in a clear and concise manner.

President of the Law Society, Mr Roden Tong, said that, “as the statutory self-regulatory body and professional association for solicitors in Hong Kong, the Law Society has a social responsibility to guide children in distinguishing right from wrong, especially when they encounter new ideas.” He added, “by teaching legal principles early, a law-abiding mindset that shapes positive social values will be rooted in their minds. The book can be a tool for parents to teach the importance of the rule of law. We hope the public can easily learn the laws.”

At its book fair booths, a five-year-old boy, Pak-kiu, shared that the book introduced him to new legal knowledge, such as the courtroom’s prohibition on photography. “Now I even know who Lady Justice Themis is!” he exclaimed. The animated illustrations immediately caught his eye, especially the legal bears with lovely smiles. “Their grins are so beautiful—I love how cute they are!”

Pak-kiu also raved about his joyous moments at the Law Society’s interactive booths, where he won prizes from a short legal quiz. Thrilled to return, he has already planned a trip back with his classmates to try his luck again.

The publication aligns with the Law Society’s long-standing commitment to public legal education through programmes like the “Teen Talk” GBA Study Tour, which has sparked an interest in law among young people.

At the beginning of July, “Teen Talk” held a GBA Study Tour to Shenzhen. This second annual tour, conducted entirely in English, aimed to deepen students’ understanding of “One Country, Two Systems” by introducing them to Hong Kong’s unique advantages as the only Chinese and English bilingual common law jurisdiction, fostering cross-border legal understanding and cultural exchange.

More than 80 students from Hong Kong and Shenzhen engaged in eye-opening visits to the Shenzhen Qianhai Cooperation Zone People’s Court and the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration, exploring the differences between the legal systems in Hong Kong and the Mainland, as well as how they complement each other. These experiences highlighted Hong Kong’s role as a “super-connector” and a “super value-adder” between East and West.

A key highlight was the group presentation competition on “Sports and Law,” in which students examined Hong Kong’s role as an international legal and dispute resolution centre for sports, particularly within the framework of “One Country, Two Systems.” The adjudicators were amazed by their performance, particularly by the depth of research they achieved through strategic use of AI tools. President Tong encouraged students to "embrace technology with discernment in a professional and ethical way, upholding accuracy and integrity."

Throughout the competition, students were guided by a dedicated team of volunteer solicitor facilitators from the Law Society who helped revise their manuscripts and rehearse their presentations. Hong Kong and Shenzhen students also enriched their social circles through vivid cultural exchanges, for example, taking photos in a trendy Y2K aesthetic together. All parties have formed a close tie through their interactions, forging lasting friendships, such as those around the barbecue fire under the stars on the first night.

To ensure that more youngsters are prepared to uphold justice and the rule of law, the Law Society plans to expand the scale of the Study Tour. By inspiring young minds, the Law Society not only promotes the rule of law but also positions Hong Kong as a leader in global legal education and professional services.

Participants in the GBA Study Tour shared transformative experiences. Four students from King George V School—Anushri, Riya, Tanisha, and Isabella—along with Katrina from King’s College London, highlighted the tour’s impact. Katrina, mentored by President Tong, noted, “The visit to the arbitration court broadened my horizons by showcasing Mainland China’s legal system and reinforced my goal to join an international law firm.” Anushri said, “Visiting the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration deepened my understanding of both legal systems, inspiring me to pursue a legal career.”

Riya described the tour as “invaluable,” praising engaging court administrators who clarified complex concepts and noting her team’s second-place finish in the competition. Tanisha lauded the group competition for building critical thinking and teamwork skills, celebrating her team’s win. Isabella treasured new friendships and a Law Society panda souvenir, emphasising the tour’s role in fostering networking and revealing diverse legal pathways.

With the launch of Legal Bears’ Courtroom Adventure and the continuation of the GBA Study Tour, the Law Society is investing in a future where young people uphold justice. These programs motivate students to develop critical thinking and empathy, fostering future leaders who understand the importance of upholding the rule of law and recognize Hong Kong’s unique role in global legal and dispute resolution services. This initiative bridges Mainland and international markets, especially within the Greater Bay Area. At the opening of the GBA Study Tour, President Tong remarked, “You are tomorrow’s changemakers,” underscoring the mission to instill positive social values and enhance legal awareness.