Public Prosecutors - Occupations - VTC Occupation Dictionary

Descriptions & Duties

Public Prosecutors are the legal parties responsible for presenting the case in a criminal trial against an individual accused of breaking the law. They are also responsible for preparing the cases for trial in the Magistrates' Courts (for relatively minor offences) , or in the District Court, or the Court of First Instance where the offence is more serious; and providing legal advice to law enforcement agencies upon their investigations.

Generic Competencies

Physical abilities

Technology
skills

Cognitive
abilities

Comprehension and expression

Social skills

Organisation and execution skills

Problem
solving skills

Management
skills

Physical Abilities

Physical abilities

Physical strength
Eye hand coordination / precision / dexterity

Importance:1 (Max:5)

Skill is rarely required

Technology Skills

Technology skills

Computer literacy
Application of technology

Importance:3 (Max:5)

Skill is basically required

Cognitive Abilities

Cognitive abilities

Creativity
Visualisation
Logical thinking

Importance:4 (Max:5)

Skill is frequently required

Comprehension And Expression

Comprehension and expression skills

Reading comprehension
Oral / written expression

Importance:5 (Max:5)

Skill is required all the time

Social Skills

Social skills

Communication
Negotiation
Persuasion

Importance:5 (Max:5)

Skill is required all the time

Organisation And Execution Skills

Organisation and execution skills

Planning
Organising
Judgement
Decision making

Importance:4 (Max:5)

Skill is frequently required

Problem Solving Skills

Problem solving skills

Ability to solve simple and complex problems effectively and efficiently

Importance:5 (Max:5)

Skill is required all the time

Management Skills

Management skills

Leadership
Management of finance / time / people / other resources

Importance:4 (Max:5)

Skill is frequently required

Trade Specific Competencies

Professional legal knowledge and skills

Public Prosecutors must be able to use legal expertise to take criminal prosecutions.

Professional knowledge in judicial system and criminal prosecution procedure

Public Prosecutors must have good knowledge in Hong Kong judicial system and criminal prosecution procedures.

Professional skills in reading, listening and writing

Public Prosecutors must have good speaking, listening and research skills.

General Requirements

Academic qualification

usually have a bachelor's degree in law, or equivalent qualification

Professional qualification

are appointed by the Secretary for Justice under section 13 of the Magistrates Ordinance (Cap 227) and have rights of audience in the Magistrates' Courts

Experience

usually substantial professional experience in the field are required

Other specific requirements

are required to attend a 9-month full time training course on criminal law, court procedure and presentation of evidence in court run by counsel in the Department of Justice before starting work.