Christopher Roberts

Professor Christopher Roberts is an Associate Professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Law, specializing in legal history, international law, and human rights. His research explores the evolution of legality in the British Empire, focusing on forced labor, vagrancy laws, and the historical development of human rights frameworks.

• Current research projects: Origins of 'development' concept in interwar British Empire
• Major funded work: History of 1930 Forced Labour Convention
• Leadership role: Chair of Transnational Legal History Group at CUHK's Centre for Comparative and Transnational Law

His work reveals how colonial legal systems shaped modern governance through discretionary police powers and labor control mechanisms. Despite mid-20th century challenges, these legal frameworks continue to influence contemporary common law jurisdictions globally.

Key article themes show consistent focus on:

• Colonial legal legacies in modern systems
• Repressive legal mechanisms (vagrancy, forced labor)
• Historical development of human rights norms
• Class-discriminatory law enforcement patterns
• Transnational legal history analysis
• Comparative imperial legal frameworks

Professor Roberts combines academic research with practical legal consultation for international organizations.