Research on Ming Dynasty Administrative Law

Author: Chen Guoping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1998-06-01
Features: The administrative law of ancient China, whether in terms of its detailed regulations, distinctive features, breadth of coverage, or degree of codification, is rarely seen in the history of world legal systems. By the Ming Dynasty, the strengthening of autocracy and changes in the central administrative system promoted the development of administrative law. Its system was more complete, and its content richer than in any previous dynasty. However, the abuse of autocratic power also led many administrative laws into a state of helplessness. The experiences and lessons from this period are thought-provoking. This book outlines the basic framework of Ming Dynasty administrative law from the complex historical records, reveals its essence and characteristics, argues for the progressive elements in official regulations, the rationalization trend of administrative management and legislation, and their role in partially correcting the increasingly dysfunctional administrative system toward the end of the dynasty. Ultimately, it explores the tragic failure of administrative law to be implemented due to its inability to escape the malignant development of autocracy.