This course deals with the main rules and principles regulating the making of decisions by the executive branch of government and government agencies in Hong Kong. By incorporating a more extended range of mandatory readings than undergraduate courses of similar length and a more research-focused assessment regime, this course is designed specifically for students at the postgraduate level who have not previously studied administrative law as it applies in a common law jurisdiction. This course deals with both the substantive legal rules and principles which must be observed by the government in order for a decision to be lawful, and the procedural avenues by which the lawfulness of a governmental decision may be challenged. Throughout the course students will be expected to evaluate and discuss the extent to which the rules, principles, and procedures of administrative law in Hong Kong (i) constrain and control governmental decision making; (ii) operate as a practical mechanism for the protection of civil liberties and economic freedom; (iii) buttress the rule of law; and (iv) aid transparency and accountability of public administration. Students will also be further introduced to the methods and techniques of public law while developing their problem-solving, research, and writing skills to a level appropriate for postgraduate studies. Topics covered include: grounds of review (ultra vires, error of law, unreasonableness and proportionality, irrelevant considerations, failure to take account of relevant considerations, bad faith, bias, conflict of interest and duty, and natural justice); delegated legislation and decision making by delegates; access to information and the duty to provide reasons; judicial review by the High Court; and non-curial review by tribunals, the Ombudsman and other agencies.