Jurisprudence

Author: Zhang Shuguang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-08-01
Features: Preface
Jurisprudence is an important and fundamental discipline within the legal system. It studies the general theoretical issues concerning legal phenomena. It serves as both the foundation for learning specific branches of law and a summary and elevation of the knowledge and concepts of various branches of law. Therefore, for those who aspire to study law, mastering jurisprudence is extremely important. Jurisprudence encompasses the basic knowledge, concepts, and methods of the legal system. The study of jurisprudence begins with understanding the general legal knowledge, such as the concept, nature, characteristics, historical development, and general principles of law's creation and implementation. Next, it involves understanding and grasping the fundamental legal principles or concepts, such as "rule of law" and "equality before the law." Here, memory alone is not enough; what is required is analysis and comprehension. For example, what does "equality before the law" mean? Why must everyone be equal before the law? What are the specific manifestations of equality before the law? How can true equality before the law be achieved? Finally, one must master the basic methods of jurisprudential research, i.e., how to raise and analyze questions in the face of complex legal phenomena, and how to see the essence of various legal issues through specific phenomena. Jurisprudence is a challenging course in the legal discipline, involving a broad knowledge base, abstract concepts and principles, and profound content. The characteristics of online distance teaching are primarily online classes and student self-study. Therefore, the content and language expression of this book have been adjusted accordingly. In terms of content, the book simplifies the complex and focuses on the basic issues in law; in terms of narrative style, it uses plain and easy-to-understand language to explain the basic concepts and principles of jurisprudence, supplemented by practical cases when necessary, to help learners truly grasp the basic content and spirit of jurisprudence. Additionally, based on learning needs, we have summarized chapter outlines, discussion questions, and reference bibliographies to facilitate self-study outside of class. Writing a jurisprudence textbook for online use was a new attempt for us, and we sincerely hope this book will provide helpful assistance for your study of jurisprudence. My graduate students Li Qiang and Qin Jiangwei contributed significantly to the writing of this book, and we are grateful to them here. Zhang Shuguang July 7, 2003, at Renmin University of China, Xianjin Building