Since July 1, 1997, Hong Kong has, for the first time, a detailed written constitution. Litigants are able to base their arguments on provisions of the Basic Law, and challenge actions that they believe are inconsistent with them.

Legal challenges based on the Basic Law have been launched in a wide variety of cases. Constitutional challenges have included the right of abode in Hong Kong of various categories of persons, the right to use the Chinese language in courts, the freedom to travel and enter the HKSAR, the Court of Final Appeal's power of final adjudication, the right to legal representation and the freedom of speech and of assembly. The gradual development of a body of jurisprudence on the Basic Law reinforces its effectiveness in determining the rights, obligations, powers and privileges guaranteed to the people of Hong Kong.