New ordinance encourages the making of apologies to prevent the
escalation of disputes
On 13 July 2017 the Hong Kong Legislative Council passed the
Apology Ordinance. This decrees that an out-of-court expression of
a person's regret, sympathy or benevolence, including a
statement that he is sorry about a particular matter, will not
constitute an admission of fault or liability, or be generally
admissible in civil proceedings taking place in Hong Kong before a
court or arbitral tribunal, and in certain other proceedings, as
evidence of fault, liability or any other issue.
In addition, such an apology, which can be made orally or in
writing, or even by conduct, will not invalidate cover under an
insurance policy or indemnity.
