Introduction to the Hong Kong Basic Law
By Dr Danny Gittings
Dr Danny Gittings has taught and examined thousands of students in courses on the Hong Kong Basic Law as an Associate Professor at the College of Humanities and Law in the University of Hong Kong’s School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKU SPACE). He graduated from the Faculty of Law in July 2022 with a PhD in Separation of Powers, which is expected to form the basis of his next book.
“Danny Gittings’s Introduction
to the Hong Kong Basic Law makes a significant contribution to an important
subject. It is expressed in reader-friendly terms. My favourable opinion of the
first edition of this book is vindicated by the fact that it has gone into a
second edition. The latest edition picks up on what has occurred since the
previous one, including the worrying matters which have made it necessary to
give the concluding chapter a wholly new orientation.”
—The Hon. Mr. Justice Kemal Bokhary, Permanent Judge of the Hong Kong Court
of Final Appeal (1997–2012), Non-Permanent Judge (2012– )
“This
well-researched and very readable introduction is suitable for a wide range of
readers. Building on the success of the book’s first edition, this new edition
offers fresh insights into the long-term impact of Hong Kong’s constitutional
developments that have recently captured worldwide attention. Students of Hong
Kong law at all levels and anyone interested in how Hong Kong’s future may
unfold will find it essential reading.”
—Professor Fu Hualing, Faculty of Law, University of Hong Kong
Find out more about the hardback and paperback editions of this popular text.
Further Reviews of Introduction to the Hong Kong Basic Law
“Danny Gittings’ Introduction to the Hong Kong Basic Law fills a gap in this area of literature and provides an excellent text for students of law and politics in Hong Kong and China. Mr Gittings is unremitting in his efforts to synthesise, critique and reconceptualise various aspects of the subject … the book provides an overall treatment of the Basic Law that is balanced, astute and well-researched. A delightful feature of the book is the ease with which the author guides the reader through some of the very complex issues of law and politics with its smooth, clear and concise writing.” (Book review by Professor Bing Ling in (2015) The China Quarterly 258-259)
“As a respected journalist turned legal scholar, Gittings is well qualified to explain the Basic Law, to place it in a historical context, and to chart its progress. Although he modestly describes his text as a “simple introduction”, it is, in reality, much more than that. The Introduction should be read not only by law students, but also by anyone who is interested in how Hong Kong is being run after 1997. … Whilst any book discussing a sophisticated constitutional document might be forgiven for being somewhat dry and arcane, the Introduction is, fortunately, both interesting and readable, and explains things in a logical way. Gittings, moreover, with his telling prose and perceptive comments, carries the reader with him, from start to finish, which is a definite bonus.” (Book review by Honorary Professor Grenville Cross in (2014) 44 Hong Kong Law Journal 961)