Dalian Maritime University Legal Forum: Issue No. 1

Author: Qu Guangqing, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-12-01
Features: The first issue of the "Dalian Maritime University Legal Forum" was temporarily suspended for printing. Upon deeper reflection, it can be attributed to two points:
First, it was influenced by the 2002 China International Economic Law Annual Conference. As the first gathering of international economic law scholars after China's entry into the WTO, the 2002 conference showcased unprecedented prosperity: renowned experts and emerging scholars gathered together, youthful enthusiasm and vibrant discourse filled the air, and the works presented were insightful and potentially transformative. With a deep sense of purpose to shape the new legal system under profound societal change, the organizers, as the hosts, felt compelled to contribute. They worked tirelessly day and night to compile nearly 70 outstanding contributions—some pioneering, some profound, some strikingly insightful—into a journal, aiming to benefit scholars worldwide and serve the nation's long-term interests.
Second, it was inspired by the spirit of "discourse." The decision to create a "forum" was made to highlight the crucial role of "discourse" in disseminating legal thought, establishing legal reasoning, and cultivating legal awareness. Law is a rule for people, and people are diverse. Only through critique, discussion, debate, or even controversy can the roots of behavior be traced back, consensus on conduct be reached, and the foundation of social rule of law be laid. While this may seem easy in theory but difficult in practice, it is not due to a lack of talent among scholars. Rather, they are often constrained by the column settings, professional focus, word limits of the journal, or even a deep-seated reverence for law that comes from long exposure to it. Only through careful deliberation, meticulous wording, and rigorous precision can such articles be crafted.
In truth, law is a dynamic social science that requires dynamic thinking and dynamic expression. The "unfettered opinions of scholars" were not praised by Mencius, but they are highly beneficial for the development of modern law. Whether it concerns traditional, ancient, or popular issues—even those long regarded as without controversy or even sacredly untouchable—should not be shunned but rather debated. This is to seek the path for a China undergoing historical transformation to establish a strong foundation for the rule of law. Thus, in collaboration with the Legal Press, the "Legal Forum" was first established, aiming to foster thought, encourage discourse, promote debate, and achieve clarity, with an open platform and broad tolerance.