1. Introduction
a. History and background
On 1 July 1997, the British government relinquished control over
Hong Kong and the territory became a special administrative region
(HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), after a century
and a half of British administration. The Basic Law, which is the
Constitution of the HKSAR, is intended to maintain the HKSAR and
the PRC as separate governmental, economic and legal systems. Under
the Basic Law, the HKSAR enjoys a high degree of autonomy, as well
as enjoying executive, legislative and independent judicial power,
including the right of final adjudication.
The currency of Hong Kong is the Hong Kong dollar (HKD).
b. Legal system
Hong Kong law is based on the English common law system. The
Court of Final Appeal, established on 1 July 1997, is the final
appellate court and ultimate arbiter for administration of the
common law in Hong Kong. Civil rights and freedoms in Hong Kong are
founded on the rule of law, an independent judiciary, comprehensive
system of legal aid, independent ombudsman and free press.