Basic law

The term basic law is used in some places as an alternative to "constitution", implying it is a temporary but necessary measure without formal enactment of constitution. A basic law is either a codified constitution, or in countries with uncodified constitutions, a law given to have constitution powers and effect. The name is usually used to imply an interim or transitory nature, or avoid attempting a claim to being "the highest law", often for religious reasons. In West Germany the term "Basic Law" (Grundgesetz) was used to indicate that the Basic Law was provisional until the ultimate reunification of Germany. But in 1990 no new constitution was adopted and instead the Basic Law was adopted throughout the entire German territory. Basic law is entrenched in that it overrides ordinary 'statute law' passed by the legislature.

The Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China, namely Hong Kong and Macau, have basic laws as their constitutional documents. The basic laws are the highest authority, respectively, in the territories, while the rights of amendment and interpretation rest with the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China.

Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany

The Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany (German: Grundgesetz für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland) is the constitutional law of the Federal Republic of Germany.

It was approved on 8 May 1949 in Bonn, and, with the signature of the western Allies of World War II on 12 May, came into effect on 23 May. Its original field of application (German: Geltungsbereich) comprised the states of the Trizone that were initially included in the then West German Federal Republic of Germany, but not West Berlin.

The German word Grundgesetz may be translated as either Basic Law or Fundamental Law (Grund is cognate with the English word ground). The term Verfassung (constitution) was not used, as the drafters regarded the Grundgesetz as temporary for the provisional West German state and that a constitution be formally enacted under the provision of Article 146 of the Basic Law for an ultimate reunified Germany.

The authors of the Basic Law sought to ensure that a potential dictator would never again have the chance to come into power in the country. Although some of the Basic Law is based on the Weimar republic constitution, the authors also ensured that human rights and human dignity was made the central and core part of the Basic Law. The principles of democracy, republicanism, social responsibility, and federalism are key components of the Basic Law; these principles are constitutionally entrenched, and they cannot be removed or repealed by the normal amendment process.

Hong Kong Basic Law

The Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, or simply Hong Kong Basic Law, serves as the constitutional document of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China (PRC). The leading document is the law of Hong Kong, it was adopted on 4 April 1990 by the Seventh National People's Congress (NPC) of the People's Republic of China, and went into effect on 1 July 1997 (replacing the Letters Patent and the Royal Instructions) when this former colony of the British Empire was handed over to the PRC.

The Basic Law was drafted in accordance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong (The Joint Declaration), signed between the Chinese and British governments on 19 December 1984. The Basic Law stipulates the basic policies of the PRC towards the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. As agreed between the PRC and the United Kingdom in the Joint Declaration, in accordance with the "one country, two systems" principle, socialism practised in the PRC would not be extended to Hong Kong. Instead, Hong Kong would continue its previous capitalist system and its way of life for a period of 50 years after 1997. A number of freedoms and rights of the Hong Kong residents are also protected under the Basic Law.

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Latest News for: basic law

President Trump makes more criminal justice changes, announces 'pardon czar'

WPTV 22 Feb 2025
The National Law Enforcement Accountability Database, however, was not created until 2023, under President Biden. White said on a very basic level, it is important for law enforcement agencies to share information with each other.

DOGE cuts spark outrage. Where are our elected leaders? | Letters

Knox News 22 Feb 2025
History will not be kind, and we will not forget that you happily sacrificed the rule of law and the well-being of Tennesseans for more chances to get your face on the news ... He is violating law and congressional authority.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS: IHSAA moves closer to new transfer rule

News And Tribune 22 Feb 2025
On Friday, the Indiana High School Athletic Association’s Executive Committee approved the basic framework for a “first-time” transfer rule into its by-laws ... .

Washington state lawmaker pushes statewide standard on homeless camp enforcement

The Oregonian 22 Feb 2025
House Bill 1380 says any laws regulating the use of public space must be “objectively reasonable” as to the time, place and manner ... The bill directs judges to give special consideration to the effect of the law on homeless people.

China's private firms ride tech wave

People Daily 22 Feb 2025
In a milestone move, lawmakers will review a draft of the country's first-ever basic law specifically focused on the development of the private sector next week, which covers areas such as fair ...

Explainer: What to know about the upcoming German election

China.dot.org 22 Feb 2025
After the election, the Bundestag must convene within 30 days and elect a new chancellor, according to the Basic Law, the German constitution.

Wyoming Rent Increase Laws 2025: What Tenants Should Know

Independent Newsgroup 21 Feb 2025
Wyoming’s rent increase laws in 2025 offer significant flexibility to landlords while providing minimal protections for tenants ... While Wyoming law favors landlords, tenants have some basic protections..

Dying to serve: Dozens of recruits have died nationwide while training to become police officers

Lodi News Sentinel 21 Feb 2025
At least 29 recruits have died during basic training at law enforcement academies nationwide in the last decade ....

Florida governor wants Boater Freedom Initiative to ban FWC vessel safety checks

TCPalm 21 Feb 2025
Ron DeSantis wants to prohibit law enforcement officers from stopping boaters without probable cause, a practice that currently helps them uncover crimes such as impaired boating and fishing violations ... Basically, it works on the honor system.

Economic Watch: China's private firms ride tech wave

China.dot.org 21 Feb 2025
In a milestone move, lawmakers will review a draft of the country's first-ever basic law specifically focused on the development of the private sector next week, which covers areas such as fair ...

JD Vance thinks AI will uplift Americans — It’s more likely to erase them

The Hill 21 Feb 2025
Altman’s backing of universal basic income initiatives, including the largest-ever U.S ... Vonnegut even hinted at the idea of universal basic income — not as a utopian fix, but as a sedative, a means of pacifying the newly idle masses.

‘Constitutional Crisis’ Is an Understatement

The Atlantic 21 Feb 2025
That’s a threat to the very basic question of whether a president is subject to the law or not—especially when so many things that Trump has done appear plainly illegal ... Regardless of what law ...

Trump administration looks to slash HUD workers tackling the housing crisis

The Nashville Ledger 21 Feb 2025
As the enforcer of the nation's fair housing laws, ... "They are struggling to do some of the basic functions of the agency," said Shamus Roller, executive director of the National Housing Law Project.

PROFILE - Kash Patel: Trump loyalist confirmed as FBI director amid controversy

Anadolu Agency 21 Feb 2025
Istanbul ... His confirmation has sparked concerns about his experience and judgment ... But I basically said we’re going to use the Constitution and the courts of law to go after people criminally and civilly—if they broke the law.” ... .

US conducts joint drill with S. Korea

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette 21 Feb 2025
US conducts joint drill with S. Korea. SEOUL, South Korea -- The U.S ... U.N ... They are also trying to amend a law that prevents convicted criminals from running for office. "He's asking for amnesty, which means he's basically saying, 'Guys, I'm guilty ... .
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