Presents a fresh interpretation of the origins and nature of the agrarian crisis that gripped the North China Plain in the two centuries before the Revolution. In this book, the author documents and illustrates the long-term trends of agricultural commercialization, social stratification, and mounting population pressure in the peasant economy.
Focusing on the resilience of traditional Chinese judicial practices, this comprehensive work by historian Philip C. C. Huang reveals how these practices persist alongside the formal adoption of Western law. Drawing on extensive court records and interviews, Huang highlights the enduring relevance of traditional civil justice, particularly in areas like property rights and mediation. He also examines the lasting impact of Maoist legal principles. The book offers critical insights into the continuity of legal reasoning in China, shaping its legal landscape moving forward.