China’s Ancient Legal System

From China’s Long March toward Rule of Law-new (Randall Peerenboom)

The Imperial system showed clear signs of both Legalist and Confucian influence. The former was most apparent in the emphasis on codified laws and punishment. The codes were heavily penal in nature, and stipulated numerous carefully calibrated punishments. The Legalist concern for constraining the power and discretion of officials is also evident in the large number of regulations governing the behavior of officials.31
(also posted here)