Phil's got a good summary of the HK legal system. In his case it is relating to the matter of a murder case involving some expats, an extremely rare occurance here and one that is still talked about in the relatively insular expat community. Like most ex-British colonies HK follows a common law system and has had surprisingly little interference from China which in theory can overrule any local decision. I know of only one time when this happened which related to residency of HK-born children of mainlanders. Very happy for corrections but one think that keeps HK attractive to the wider world is its legal system and rule of law. I don't think the Glorious Motherland wants to tinker too much with that.

I find it interesting though that Phil chose to post this today, just prior to HK Blogging's night of nights. Mrs M please refer to his post and prepare bail money as necessary. Will be in touch from Wan Chai police station sometime obscenely early tomorrow morning.