What are the new laws in Hong Kong?
On 30 June 2020, China introduced the National Security Law (NSL) in Hong Kong in response to massive pro-democracy protests that had swept through the city the previous year. The controversial law reduces Hong Kong’s judicial autonomy and makes it easier to punish demonstrators and activists.
Does Hong Kong use common law?
Hong Kong’s legal system was developed under British governance, based on the English common law. The Hong Kong Basic Law, which is a law passed by the Chinese National People’s Congress, came into effect in 1997, becoming the constitutional document in Hong Kong.
Is Hong Kong a common law jurisdiction?
Under the principle of ‘one country, two systems’, the HKSAR legal system, which is different from that of Mainland China, is based on the common law, supplemented by statutes. All legislation in force in the HKSAR is accessible on the Hong Kong e-Legislation website.
Who rules Hong Kong now?
Hong Kong was transferred to China on 1 July 1997, after 156 years of British rule.
What does China’s new national security law mean for Hong Kong?
The sweeping new national security law that China imposed on Hong Kong, aimed at stamping out opposition to the ruling Communist Party in the former British colony, is as “devastating” as some critics feared, a human-rights activist said on Wednesday.
Is there a universal concept of national security?
“There is no universal concept of national security,” said Fu Hualing, dean of the law faculty at the University of Hong Kong and a specialist on Hong Kong’s constitutional status. “The concept of national security differs from that in the mainland and offences are all defined differently,” he said.
How will Hong Kong’s new law enforcement agency handle security threats?
According to Article 55, a new central government law enforcement agency in Hong Kong, the Office for Safeguarding National Security, has the power to take up investigations and if deemed required, pass the cases to mainland prosecutors and courts.
What is Hong Kong’s ‘conviction law’ all about?
Conviction under the law includes sentences of life in prison. Another complication in Hong Kong is that the law needs to address the security of “one country” with “two systems” of political and legal institutions. Some controversial provisions in the legislation also feature in security laws drawn up by Australia and Taiwan.