Routledge - The Changing Chinese Legal System, 1978-Present

Explore the evolution of China's legal framework in this scholarly study by Routledge. This book provides a detailed examination of the legal system from 1978 to the present day, focusing on the centralization of power and the ongoing rationalization of legal processes. Through historical analysis across economic, political-legal, and social levels, the text offers a deep look into how the system has transformed. The author uses field research, including direct court observations in Beijing and Chengdu, to provide a real-world perspective on the current judicial system. Readers will gain insights into the functions of crime and punishment, as well as the internal and external efforts of the court system to seek more power and relative independence. This work is an essential resource for students and professionals interested in East Asian history, politics, sociology, and culture. It addresses the tension between modern systemization and traditional influences, such as the cultural preference for mediation over litigation, making it a vital addition to any academic library.