ABSTRACT
The relationship between social movements and the law in the Western world has been well studied. This chapter introduces theories developed in the Western world on social movements and their relationship with the law in order. It reviews the development of social movements in Hong Kong since the colonial era. The chapter also considers the development of Hong Kong's legal system, and discusses several dimensions of law and social movements in post-colonial Hong Kong. The transition in 1997 to Chinese sovereignty has not weakened the vitality of the law in Hong Kong. On the contrary, the life of the law and the policymaking role of the courts have been strengthened by the coming into force of the Basic Law, and social movement organisations have been more active than ever in using litigation strategically to challenge government policies or at least make their claims highly visible to members of the public.
