Rule of Law

The rule of law is fundamental to Hong Kong's success. All are equal before the law. Hong Kong's legal system is separate from Mainland China's, and English common law prevails. The impartial judiciary is independent of the legislature and executive, and is drawn from several British Commonwealth jurisdictions as well as from Hong Kong itself. Cases are heard in English and/or Chinese.

Guarantees

These freedoms are guaranteed by the Basic Law, which came into effect when China resumed sovereignty of Hong Kong in mid-1997 and serves as the SAR's constitutional framework. Its underlying premises are best summed up as "One Country, Two Systems" and "No change for 50 years". Post-1997 Hong Kong inherited the laws of the former colony so that Hong Kong today continues to benefit from a stable and mature legal system, covering such business critical areas as intellectual property.

Court of Final Appeal

The Court of Final Appeal operates in Hong Kong and is staffed by senior judges from Hong Kong and distinguished overseas judges on rotation. It is the final arbiter on all affairs other than foreign affairs, defence and Chinese constitutional issues, which are the responsibilities of the sovereign state, China.

Arbitration

Hong Kong has developed into one of the world's major arbitration jurisdictions since establishing its International Arbitration Centre in 1985. Its expertise in commerce, finance, shipping and construction provides the necessary pool of experienced professionals to promote dispute settlements. These include accountants, architects, bankers, engineers and insurance experts, as well as lawyers.

Police

Hong Kong has long been, and remains, a safe city with low crime rate. Crucial to this achievement is our effective and efficient 35,000-strong police force. It operates independently of Mainland China's law-enforcement institutions. Crime levels in Hong Kong are low. And its streets are among the safest in the world.

The rule of law is fundamental to Hong Kong's success.