This course will be a three-unit survey of Chinese legal thought from Confucius to the present. The course will include classical foundations of Chinese law (Confucianism, Taoism and Legalism), law in imperial times, new legal theories in China’s encounter with the West, Mao and Socialist law, post-Socialist legal reforms, and contemporary Chinese critiques of Western law and institutions. Readings will be primary sources in English translation and secondary sources on aspects of Chinese law and broader issues of comparative legal theory.
Emphasis will be placed on in-class discussion, stimulated by the readings and guided by questions provided in advance. The final examination will be short answer/multiple choice. Grades will be based on the final examination, but may include a class participation component.