From rule of law to rule of law

Author: Cheng Liao Yuan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-09-01
Features: The focus of this series is neither "Western-centricism" nor "Chinese-centricism," but rather centered on the universal values of modern rule of law. This "center" unfolds through the development of rule of law in both the East and the West, especially in their struggles against anti-rule of law and non-rule of law. It delves deeply into horizontally recognized rule of law values and principles such as supremacy of the constitution, procedural justice, rights-based governance, and administrative lawfulness. In attempting to address the question of the direction of China's rule of law, we agree with Matz's "theorem": "A conclusion is where you stop thinking." Sometimes, an authoritative conclusion can be more harmful than a straightforward question. The issue of China's rule of law is both a historical one and a collective cultural choice for a long-standing nation. Any attempt to establish an "academic positioning" for scholarly work, apart from historical, national, and cultural answers, is futile. Indeed, this does not hinder the arduous and profound exploration and argumentation of this proposition. The issue will continue to spark more debates and further reflections as theory deepens and practice evolves, gradually approaching its goal. Although we dare not and are unable to construct a grand theoretical framework for "China's rule of law," each book can be seen as a crystallization of our deep exploration and reflection on this issue. It records the theories and practices of rule of law throughout history, both vertically and horizontally, from points to broader perspectives, like a drop of light reflecting the vast ocean. At the same time, it provides the author's own examination, reflection, interrogation, and imagination of the path to the way of rule of law and China's rule of law.
[Editor's Recommendation] This book condenses the debates and explorations in political science and legal circles from 1979 to 1998 on the issue of rule of law, reflecting the Chinese understanding and contemplation of legal modernization. It showcases the transcendence and achievements of "rule of law" over "legal system," revealing China's firm commitment to advancing toward a rule-of-law state.