6. Tel-Law Scheme

6.1 The Tel-Law Scheme was introduced in 1984 to provide members of the public with free taped legal information by telephone. In 1995, the Tel-Law system was fully computerized and upgraded to a 24-hours automatic answering service. With the Government’s support, Tel-Law in Putonghua has been in service since 5 August 1999.

6.2 A total of 80 tapes are accessible to the public in English, Cantonese and Putonghua. (Appendix D-1). The total number of calls received in 2017 was 17,738 (Appendix D-2).

6.3 The tapes have been converted into digital format and have been available on line on the Service’s website since 2002. The Service’s website has recorded 566,556 hits in 2017.