Advocating public advocacy: an opportunity for charities in Hong Kong?

Abstract

This article reviews the scope of public advocacy activities by charities under English common law rules and argues that these rules are inadequately justified, excessively broad, and out of date with the modern role of charities in building a rigorous civil society. In light of the recent reform initiatives of the Law Reform Commission of Hong Kong, this article offers proposals on how Hong Kong charity law can be aligned with modern developments in other major Commonwealth jurisdictions and incorporates best practice from them.