Constitutional Law in Hong Kong

Derived from the renowned multi-volume International Encyclopaedia of Laws, this very useful analysis of constitutional law in Hong Kong provides essential information on the country’s sources of constitutional law, its form of government, and its administrative structure. Lawyers who handle transnational matters will appreciate the clarification of particular terminology and its application. Throughout the book, the treatment emphasizes the specific points at which constitutional law affects the interpretation of legal rules and procedure.
Thorough coverage by a local expert fully describes the political system, the historical background, the role of treaties, legislation, jurisprudence, and administrative regulations. This book examines the status of the Basic Law of Hong Kong which, being the paramount constitution of Hong Kong, regulates legislative, administrative and judicial action. There is an extensive discussion of judicial review of legislative and administrative action as well as protection of human rights. It outlines Hong Kong’s unique legal status as a special administrative region of China and gives a thorough account of the state-region relationship between China and Hong Kong. It examines the distribution of power between the Chinese Central Government and the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and contains a comprehensive discussion of the newly introduced National Security Law, the only national law of China specifically made for exclusive application in Hong Kong. It considers the legal status of Hong Kong residents who are Chinese citizens and those who are not. The concepts and operation of Hong Kong’s common law based constitutional structure are presented in such a manner as to make them comprehensible to readers who are not familiar with the unique concept of “One Country Two Systems” that underlies the constitutional arrangements for Hong Kong in China.
Its succinct yet scholarly nature, as well as the practical quality of the information it provides, make this book a valuable time-saving tool for both practising and academic jurists. Lawyers representing parties with interests in Hong Kong will welcome this guide, and academics and researchers will appreciate its value in the study of comparative constitutional law.