Peerenboom and Bokhary Debate Rule of Law in Hong Kong and China

Morningside was exceedingly fortunate to host not one but two heavyweights in the legal field on 26 February, as Professor Randall Peerenboom met the Honourable Mr. Justice Kemal Bokhary for a public debate over rule of law in Hong Kong and China. Professor Peerenboom, who holds posts at La Trobe University and Oxford University, advanced a relativistic approach to the question of rule of law, distinguishing between its “thin,” procedural definition and a “thick,” socially-embedded definition; whereas Justice Bokhary advocated a more universal understanding of rule of law. The well-attended event was moderated by Professor Christopher Gane of the Faculty of Law and featured active participation from the audience.