Rural Rule of Law Status - From the Perspective of Tsinghua University Students

Author: Wang Chenguang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-12-01
Features: Since the reform and opening-up, Chinese society has entered an unprecedented period of modernization and social transformation. Its momentum is overwhelming, its scale immense, its changes profound, its achievements remarkable, and its impact far-reaching, undeniable and unparalleled in history. Although this modernization and social transformation is still in progress, facing numerous challenges and difficulties, it has already brought tremendous results and benefits to Chinese society, significantly improving social productivity and markedly enhancing people's living standards. At the same time, its influence has long transcended national borders, standing out uniquely in the process of human modernization and creating a new path for modern development. This book is a theoretical monograph on rural rule of law research, including over ten research papers on the subject. The content covers rural land systems, village elections, the status of rural migrant workers, rural finance, rural families, rural legal services, and civil disputes among farmers, making it a valuable reference for legal researchers. Rural rule of law construction and legal education reform—no need for excessive description to outline—have been the two major themes of China's legal profession in the new century. Fieldwork and contemplation in the ivory tower—though different paths—carry the eternal pursuit of justice. In 2005, students from Tsinghua University Law School experienced three months of rural life by participating in legal aid activities in G County. This book records their observations, reflections, and ideas, blending fresh writing with a profound rural atmosphere, offering insightful analyses and policy recommendations. Many faculty and students at Tsinghua University Law School have long been concerned with rural rule of law construction. Since its revival in 1995, the law school has upheld Tsinghua University's tradition of "action over words," emphasizing the integration of theory with practice and the comprehensive development of students' skills, vigorously promoting practical teaching and experiential learning. Through discussion, we believe there are several deeper issues in legal education and research: first, theory detached from practice and teaching disconnected from real-world application, treating law as a purely conceptual and theoretical construct disconnected from the real world; second, the rigidification of interdisciplinary fields and isolation between disciplines; and third, overemphasis on textbook knowledge in research while neglecting the cultivation of students' comprehensive qualities, abilities, and legal ethics. To address these problems, the law school has, based on active practice, bold borrowing, scientific planning, and prudent implementation, taken the needs of national and social development as guidance, the realities of China and global trends as context, and courageously pioneered new paths to overcome these shortcomings. Focusing on rural China, the largest practical issue, is a concrete manifestation of this reform approach, with the field investigation in G County being one specific project. Although most students may not work in rural areas after graduation, their three-month practice there has indeed given them unique experiences and insights, deepening their understanding of society and grassroots communities and allowing them to genuinely appreciate the complexity and challenges of China's issues. This book records their observations, reflections, and ideas, covering various aspects of rural rule of law and social life. However, this was not a prearranged division of labor but rather the spontaneous thoughts and reflections inspired by their own observations and experiences. While some important aspects (such as village self-governance) remain unaddressed, overall, the content is interconnected, forming a relatively comprehensive regional survey report and policy study with a natural charm akin to "different perspectives reveal different peaks." Each article in the book is grounded in solid social investigations and personal experiences. Despite the limited time and scope of the author's research, some data may not fully represent the whole picture. However, from the perspectives of case analysis and village studies, the book still holds significant reference value. Especially the specific cases investigated and analyzed carry great typicality, largely revealing practical issues in rural rule of law construction and legal operations, offering fresh insights. Their analyses and policy recommendations are also innovative and possess academic rigor. This research approach, with its unique perspective and method of moving from practice to theory and back again, is particularly commendable and. In this sense, they are pioneers who dare to lead, new blossoms in the garden of legal research, and thinkers who think critically and explore boldly. This book is the crystallization of their efforts and dedication.