LAW434

041052

This course provides an overview of the Chinese legal system and how Chinese philosophical thought has influenced its development. The course first explores the nature and purpose of law and government in ancient China and how philosophical schools of thought such as Confucianism and Legalism formed the basis of China's legal system. To help develop an understanding of how the legal system of Imperial China operated and was influenced by Chinese philosophy and culture, students will read a Chinese short story from Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee which is based on the fictionalized adventures of a judge during the Tang Dynasty (618- 907 AD). The course will also address the modern reform of China's legal system and some of the challenges reform has posed. Specific topics covered include the legal profession, government's role in lawmaking, the court system, constitutional law, commercial law, foreign investment law and intellectual property. The course will use Chinese court cases and films to illustrate some of the issues covered in class.

GRD - Regular Grades A, B, C, D, E

Undergraduate