The British civilian courts in Hong Kong tried over 1,500 people for murder, piracy and other crimes between 1844 and 1966, when the death penalty was in use. The courts pronounced death sentences on 573, of whom an estimated 375 (373 men and two women) were executed by hanging. Drawing on his recent book, Penalties of Empire, Christopher Munn explores the changing nature of capital trials in colonial Hong Kong and the challenges faced by judges, juries and lawyers in delivering justice in an often-volatile environment. The talk will also examine the exercise of mercy by governors and the controversies over capital punishment in the years leading up to its final abolition in 1993.

The Speaker

Dr Christopher MUNN, Honorary Associate Professor, Department of History, The University of Hong Kong

Christopher Munn served as an administrative officer in the Hong Kong government 1980-1992 and in various positions in the Hong Kong Monetary Authority 1998-2010. His other books include Anglo-China: Chinese People and British Rule in Hong Kong, 1841–1880 (2001) and (with May Holdsworth) Crime, Justice and Punishment in Colonial Hong Kong (2020).

PROGRAMME

Time: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm (Reception starts at 6:30 pm) 

Admission: $175 for members, $220 for guests /non-members (Light refreshments are included in the admission fee)

Registration: Please email membership@royalasiaticsociety.org.hk and provide your membership number, if applicable, at the time of registration. Please kindly complete your registration by advance payment via Stripe’s payment links below (using your Credit Card):

Members ($175):

https://buy.stripe.com/3cI28sdZO68gedl7S15EY2D

Non-member / Guest ($220):

https://buy.stripe.com/14AfZi6xmcwEc5ddcl5EY2E

Details about the other payment option will be sent on registration. Upon receipt of payment, your registration will be confirmed by email. Registration will be closed at 12 noon on 24 November 2025.