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Law and the City
Law and the City
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Law and the City

Understand the influence of past and present judicial systems on the legal evolution of Hong Kong

A Walk Through the Evolution of Hong Kong’s Legal System

Learn about the evolution of Hong Kong’s legal system and its role in urban development by exploring historical monuments and buildings in relation to the rule of law and legal culture.

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Tour overview

  • Learn about how justice was traditionally administered by Chinese people in Hong Kong
  • Hear stories about the heavy-handedness of Hong Kong’s early founders
  • Find out how a major legal industry has developed and prospered in Hong Kong as it became a leading trade port and international financial hub
  • Learn about the foundations of the rule of law in Hong Kong and the landmark judicial cases in post-1997 Hong Kong
  • Admire close-up a finely-kept collection of heritage architecture that symbolizes law and order in Hong Kong

Tattooing is illegal? Flogging is in effect? Hong Kong’s legal system has faced numerous changes since the pre-colonial period to become what it is today. The rule of law is often said to be a cornerstone of Hong Kong society and it is central to the city’s status as an international financial hub.

Have you ever wondered how Hong Kong ‘worked’ before the British came? What kind of laws governed this “barren rock” on a remote southern edge of Qing China? Or how, after Hong Kong went under British ruling, did a totally alien legal system get transplanted here? Was the initial enforcement of law and order really a blessing of British benevolence as its more imperially-driven advocates claimed it to be? Now fast-forward to post-1997: how has Hong Kong’s legal system adjusted to a new political reality, and what controversial legal rulings have been made in the SAR thus far?

On this one-of-a-kind walking tour from Sheung Wan to Central, we will explore the evolution of Hong Kong’s legal system and the rule of law in our land. Along this heritage route, we’ll visit a series of beautiful historic sites and architecture and talk about how they chart distinct phases in the development of the law in Hong Kong as well as the city’s own legal culture.

This walking tour may well be steeped in history, but it’s very much a thoughtful appreciation of contemporary Hong Kong suitable for all ages.

Selected highlights

Some of the points of interest include:

Man Mo Temple

Man Mo Temple

A place where the village or community get together to resolving any conflicts and matters.

Tai Kwun

Tai Kwun

Former Central Police Station, Central Magistracy and Victoria Prison.

Former French Missionary Building

Former French Missionary Building

Housed the Court of Final Appeal of Hong Kong from 1 July 1997 to 6 September 2015.

Court of Final Appeal

Court of Final Appeal

The original Supreme Court (1912 - 1985).

History

  • Junior Secondary (Secondary 2)
    • Describe the evolution of Hong Kong’s judicial system throughout different historical periods, including the Qing Dynasty, the British-governed period, and the Japanese occupation.
    • Explain the differences between the Chinese and English legal systems and their impact on Hong Kong society.
    • Understand the local governance system and its judicial functions in Hong Kong before the arrival of the British.
  • Senior Secondary (Topic A)
    • Understand the interaction between British law and local customs in the early years of Hong Kong’s establishment and appreciate its historical significance.
    • Analyze how Hong Kong’s judicial system reflects political and social changes over different periods.
    • Evaluate the role of the rule of law in Hong Kong’s history and its impact on the lives of its citizens.

Chinese History

  • Common Learning Objectives
  • Understand the local governance structure and judicial system of San On County during the Qing Dynasty, as well as methods used by local residents to resolve disputes (e.g., oath affirmation through burning a yellow paper and beheading a chicken).
  • Explain how the Lin Weixi case triggered the Opium War and understand its historical context.
  • Analyze the differences between traditional Chinese judicial culture and modern rule of law.

Citizenship and Social Development

  • The meaning and implementation of “one country, two systems”
    • Through the historical evolution of the Lei Yue Mun Fortress, students will gain a firsthand understanding of Hong Kong’s past role in national defense, the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and the nation’s destiny (e.g., defending the nation against Japanese aggression and the suffering of the people during wartime), thereby deepening their understanding of the nation’s development.
    • Students will be encouraged to reflect on topics such as national security, social responsibility, and historical responsibility, enhancing their sense of national identity and belonging, and appreciating the shared efforts of diverse ethnic groups in the War of Resistance and the defense of their homeland.

Tour Information

  • We reserve the right to make changes to the information, prices and itineraries of the tours as set out in our website and all printed promotional materials. Provided that such changes have been made prior to the confirmation of a booking, such changes shall be binding on the participants.
  • Any information or advice provided by us on matters including but not limited to walking routes, climate, clothing, travel documents, baggage, special equipment, etc. is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of us.
  • All information provided on our website is correct to the best of our knowledge, but we cannot assure that such information would be free from errors or omission and we shall assume no responsibilities for any such errors of omission.
  • Our website may contain hyperlinks to other websites owned and operated by third parties. We have no control over, or associate with, such sites and we assume no responsibilities for the contents of such sites. The inclusion of such sites on our website does not imply our endorsement of such sites.
  • We do not warrant that our website would be free from computer viruses and we accept no liabilities or responsibilities for any loss or damage that may arise as a result.

Bad Weather Policy

  • If Typhoon Signal No. 8 or above, or a Red/Black Rainstorm Warning is issued three hours before the tour starts, the tour will be canceled.
  • If Typhoon Signal No. 8 or a Red/Black Rainstorm Warning is issued during the tour, the tour will be canceled immediately.
  • If the tour needs to be canceled due to other adverse weather conditions, we will contact you by phone at least 2.5 hours before the tour. (If there is no response, we will follow up with an SMS or email.)
  • If the tour is canceled due to adverse weather on the day, we will work with you to reschedule a new date within six months from the original tour date.

Tour Reminder

  • Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes for the walk. Bring an umbrella, a bottle of water and some snacks just in case.
  • Each participant may bring their own 3.5mm plug headphone if they have one for the wireless transmitter/receiver system which will be used on the tour. The guide will provide them a new one otherwise, but for hygienic and environmental reasons participants are strongly suggested to bring their own earphones if possible.
  • There is a possibility that our organization may take photographs or videos during the guided tour, and these captured images or footage may be used for future promotion and publicity. If participants do not agree with this arrangement, please inform the tour guide or organizer during registration and on the day of the event.
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