"Law in imperial China" [2020] ELECD 428; in Lo, I. Vai (ed), "Law and Society in China" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2020) 23

Book Title: Law and Society in China

Editor(s): Lo, I. Vai

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

Section: Chapter 2

Section Title: Law in imperial China

Number of pages: 51

Abstract/Description:

Chapter 2 introduces law in imperial China. It first provides a historical account of Chinese dynasties and then introduces four major Chinese schools of thought (including Taoism, Mohism, Confucianism and Legalism). In highlighting the major characteristics of imperial Chinese law, the chapter discusses the integration of li and fa, differentiated prerogatives and obligations, humanism and benevolence, impartiality and renqing, emphasis on administrative and criminal law, and patriarchal governance and mediation. The last section discusses the interaction between law and society in imperial China.