General Discussion on Legal Systems of the Two Song Dynasties

Author: Xue Meiqing
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-05-01
Features: The Song Dynasty was an era that emphasized the development of legal systems. The specific historical context allowed its legislation to break free from old conventions, prioritize practicality, and seek frequent reforms. As a result, specialized trends emerged in legislation, and a series of new judicial systems were established. Some provisions were not found in the Tang Dynasty and were even unattainable in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. This book conducts academic research and reflection on the legal systems of the Northern and Southern Song Dynasties from multiple perspectives and levels. The structure of the book, based on the author's differing views on the classification of ancient law, presents a reasonable arrangement that the author endorses and does not impose modern legal categories. The use of historical materials focuses on demonstrating the characteristics and influences of the Northern and Southern Song legal systems compared to previous and subsequent dynasties as a result of the evolution of the times. The discussion of thought emphasizes combining it with institutions, evaluating the legal ideas of the Neo-Confucianism and Utilitarianism schools during this period and their roles or effects on the legal system and judicial practice of the Northern and Southern Song Dynasties. The detailed presentation of content focuses on refining aspects such as administration, military affairs, civil and commercial law, and judicial and enforcement, which will be beneficial for future research.
The Song Dynasty was an era that emphasized the development of legal systems. The specific historical context allowed its legislation to break free from old conventions, prioritize practicality, and seek frequent reforms. As a result, specialized trends emerged in legislation, and a series of new judicial systems were established. Some provisions were not found in the Tang Dynasty and were even unattainable in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. This book conducts academic research and reflection on the legal systems of the Northern and Southern Song Dynasties from multiple perspectives and levels. The structure of the book, based on the author's differing views on the classification of ancient law, presents a reasonable arrangement that the author endorses and does not impose modern legal categories. The use of historical materials focuses on demonstrating the characteristics and influences of the Northern and Southern Song legal systems compared to previous and subsequent dynasties as a result of the evolution of the times. The discussion of thought emphasizes combining it with institutions, evaluating the legal ideas of the Neo-Confucianism and Utilitarianism schools during this period and their roles or effects on the legal system and judicial practice of the Northern and Southern Song Dynasties. The detailed presentation of content focuses on refining aspects such as administration, military affairs, civil and commercial law, and judicial and enforcement, which will be beneficial for future research.