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 Macao, have basic laws as their constitutional documents. The basic laws are the highest authority, respectively, in the regions, 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.
Read more about Basic Law: List of Basic Laws
Famous quotes containing the words basic and/or law:
“What, then, is the basic difference between today’s computer and an intelligent being? It is that the computer can be made to see but not to perceive. What matters here is not that the computer is without consciousness but that thus far it is incapable of the spontaneous grasp of pattern—a capacity essential to perception and intelligence.”
—Rudolf Arnheim (b. 1904)
“The most absurd apology for authority and law is that they serve to diminish crime. Aside from the fact that the State is itself the greatest criminal, breaking every written and natural law, stealing in the form of taxes, killing in the form of war and capital punishment, it has come to an absolute standstill in coping with crime. It has failed utterly to destroy or even minimize the horrible scourge of its own creation.”
—Emma Goldman (1869–1940)