The Invisible Constitution in Comparative Perspective

Systems, Three Legal Orders – Perspectives of Evolution (Berlin: Springer Verlag, 2009) 674.

85 

For an empirical survey of the TUI’s cases applying the provisions of the MBL, see Xiaonan 

Yang, ‘The Application of the Basic Law of Macao SAR in the Macao Courts: A Comparison 

with the Hong Kong Courts’ (2015) 7 Hong Kong and Macao Journal (Gang’ao yanjiu 港澳研

究

), issue 2, 49–58 (in Chinese). Yang’s study of the TUI judgments produced these observations:  

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254 

Albert H. Y. Chen and P. Y. Lo

in respect of the individual concrete case, and the TUI has eschewed any 

suggestion that these examinations and rulings coming out of them have a 

general effect binding on all the lower courts and other governmental author-

ities of the MSAR.

86

 For a TUI judgment to have binding effect on the lower 

courts, it has to be one that seeks to provide a uniform judicial opinion against 

conflicting decisions of the TUI or decisions between different courts in the 

MSAR judiciary.

87

8.4.3.  Principle of Proportionality

The MSAR courts apply the principle of proportionality (shidu yuanze 適

度原則

/principio da proporcionalidade) mostly in the adjudication of cases, 

particularly administrative law cases, but also some cases involving consti-

tutional rights. A survey of about thirty judgments of the TUI determining 

appeals against judicial decisions in respect of an action against an admin-

istrative decision indicates that the MSAR courts recognise the principle 

of proportionality as a fundamental principle in administrative law that an 

administrative decision-maker may not contravene in making decisions in the 

exercise of his discretion. This principle, as it was stated in art. 5 of the Code of 

Administrative Procedure of the MSAR, requires that where an administrative 

decision conflicts with the interests of an individual that is protected by law, 

the impairment by the administrative decision of the relevant interest must 

be reasonable and proportionate (shidang ji shidu 適當及適度/adequados e 

proporcionais) in respect of the purpose to be achieved. Its core meaning pro-

hibits arbitrariness and requires a reasonable relationship between the means 

and the purpose. This core meaning gives rise to the three dimensions of 

the principle, namely reasonableness, necessity and balance/proportionality 

stricto sensu (adequação, necessidade e equilíbrio). Thus, in order to achieve 

a relevant purpose, the means taken must be reasonable in respect of that 

purpose, only the means that least impairs the legal interest amongst all appli-

cable means should be chosen and the standard for evaluation must be public 

(1) The number of cases was limited; (2) the types of cases were more focused, such as con-

cerning the ownership rights of land, the principle of equality, the right of procession and 

demonstration, and the right to retirement benefits; (3) there was a stronger tendency of repe-

tition in the contents of the judgments; (4) there were few representative cases, and the Hong 

Kong experience in the application of the HKBL had not served as an example or reference 

to the MSAR courts.

86 

Further examination may be needed of the reason and effect of the publication of the TUI’s 

judgment in the Burmeister case in the government gazette, especially as to whether this act 

had clothed the case with binding effect as a governmental measure.

87 

See Yang, Supra note 85.

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