The Court of Appeal in a landmark case in July 1997 unanimously held that the Provisional Legislative Council was lawfully established by the Preparatory Committee, and that the common law had survived the reunification.

• 上诉法庭在一九九七年七月审结了一宗重要案件，一致裁定临时立法会由筹备委员会依法成立，以及普通法在回归后继续适用。