Hong Kong leader’s resignation presents legal problem News
Hong Kong leader’s resignation presents legal problem

[JURIST] Chief Executive of Hong Kong Tung Chee Hwa [official profile] is reportedly going to step down from office as the leader of the Chinese special administrative region of Hong Kong [government website] for health reasons. Tung took the leadership position in 1997 after China [government website] assumed control of the former British colony. He has, however, grown increasingly unpopular in the last few years, with pro-democracy protests against him breaking out last year. Tung refused Wednesday to comment on stories of his pending resignation as he was questioned by reporters while preparing to travel to China to attend the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference [official website in Chinese]. The announcement has created significant concern over the proper method for replacing Tung, as it is legally unclear what should happen in light of a voluntary resignation. Reports have suggested that Tung will likely resign at the end of the ten day conference, as he is widely expected to be appointed to a vice-chairman's position, an office of some prestige. Hong Kong's The Standard has local coverage.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Pope Urban II sparks First Crusade

Pope Urban II threw his support behind what would become the First Crusade on November 27, 1095 during the Council of Clairmont. The Pope urged the council's participants to render aid to the Byzantine Empire, which was being attacked by the Seljuks. Pope Urban called for a wide coalition of rich and poor to combat the threat, which eventually resulted in the conquest of much of the Muslim-controlled Levant by the Crusaders and the establishment of the Crusader States. Read Pope Urban's address.  

Catholic Code of Canon Law revised

On November 27, 1983, the revised Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church went into effect. Learn more about the history of Canon Law from Professor Kenneth Pennington of the Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law.

Alfred Nobel creates Nobel Prize in his will

On November 27, 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his will, creating the Nobel Prize. Learn more about the history of the Nobel Prize and the Nobel Commission.