The World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2024 has reaffirmed Hong Kong’s robust rule of law, showcasing a legal system that not only evolves but also thrives despite external criticism. Ranked 6th in the East Asia and Pacific region and 23rd globally out of 142 jurisdictions, the global standing of Hong Kong’s legal system, especially in comparison to the legal frameworks of several Western nations, underscores the effectiveness and robustness of the special administrative region’s legal institutions, which have become a cornerstone of its governance and social stability.
In recent years, Hong Kong has faced considerable “scrutiny” from Western governments, politicians and mainstream media, with critics questioning the integrity of its legal framework, simply because the SAR introduced national security laws in response to threats, as any other jurisdiction would do. However, such critiques have frequently neglected the empirical evidence from global indices that consistently rank Hong Kong’s legal system as one of the most transparent and effective worldwide.
Grounded in the “one country, two systems“ principle, Hong Kong’s legal structure maintains a distinct legal environment that successfully balances the protection of individual rights with national security imperatives. A key turning point in this legal evolution was the introduction of the National Security Law for Hong Kong in June 2020, followed by the enactment of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) in March. These legislative measures have significantly strengthened Hong Kong’s ability to preserve social stability and uphold the rule of law while protecting the legitimate rights of individuals. The SNSO provides a localized and comprehensive legal framework for addressing potential threats to national security.
The WJP Rule of Law Index 2024 highlights several critical areas where Hong Kong has made significant strides. Notably, its performance in “regulatory enforcement” and “civil justice” has seen further improvement — climbing one place globally in both categories. This progress reflects Hong Kong’s commitment to maintaining a legal environment that supports fair competition and effective business regulation, essential for sustaining its role as an international financial hub.
The improvement in “civil justice” also speaks to the effectiveness of Hong Kong’s judicial system in providing timely and impartial resolutions to legal disputes. The Judiciary’s independence, expertise and transparent legal procedures reinforce public confidence in the system’s ability to administer justice without fear or favor.
The legal framework of Hong Kong is underpinned by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance, both of which guarantee fundamental rights and freedoms to its residents
One of Hong Kong’s most recognized accomplishments is its performance in the “absence of corruption” category, which now ranks 10th globally. This achievement is a testament to the effectiveness of the city’s longstanding anticorruption measures, particularly the Independent Commission Against Corruption’s (ICAC) work. The ICAC’s proactive approach to combating corruption has not only minimized the prevalence of corrupt practices but has also reinforced the city’s reputation as one of the least corrupt jurisdictions in the world.
Hong Kong’s success in this area is an essential pillar of its broader governance framework, as the absence of corruption is closely linked to the rule of law, economic stability and public trust in government institutions. By maintaining such high standards of integrity, the city continues to set a global benchmark for other jurisdictions.
For obvious political and ideological reasons, Western politicians and media outlets have repeatedly criticized Hong Kong’s legal system based on selective or distorted narratives that ignore the broader picture of its legal successes. These critiques ignore Hong Kong’s consistent outstanding performance in key areas such as regulatory enforcement, civil justice and the absence of corruption as recognized and pointed out by the people surveyed by the WJP.
Recognizing that these critiques often reflect political biases and serve political objectives rather than objectively analyzing the legal system’s actual performance is, therefore, crucial to people having a grasp of Hong Kong’s legal system.
Another critical strength of Hong Kong’s legal system is its commitment to ensuring access to justice for all residents, regardless of their financial means. The city’s legal aid system provides comprehensive support to those in need, ensuring that the right to legal representation is not limited by socioeconomic status. This system plays a vital role in maintaining the fairness and inclusiveness of its legal framework, ensuring that justice is accessible to everyone.
Moreover, Hong Kong’s criminal justice system upholds the highest due process standards, ensuring that the rights of defendants and victims are protected. The city’s courts operate with high transparency and independence, further reinforcing public confidence in the legal system’s ability to deliver justice impartially.
The legal framework of Hong Kong is underpinned by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance, both of which guarantee fundamental rights and freedoms to its residents. These constitutional safeguards ensure that the rule of law remains central to Hong Kong’s governance despite evolving political and social challenges. Despite the misleading criticisms from external sources, the objective data is clear: Hong Kong’s legal system is thriving and improving, offering a model of stability, integrity and justice.
The author is a solicitor, a Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area lawyer, and a China-appointed attesting officer.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
