The Legal System of the Ming Dynasty: The Final Form of Chinese Legal Civilization

Abstract

The Ming Dynasty is an important dynasty in the late feudal society of China. During its two hundred and seventy six years of ruling, both economy and culture had reached a new height. After the middle of the Ming Dynasty, with the emergence of the sprout of capitalist production in the handicraft industry and agriculture in Jiangsu and Zhejiang areas, achievements were made in culture, science and technology, which was not only significant in summing up the experience, but also very creative. The making of Yong Le Da Dian (The Great Canon of Yongle) shocked the whole world at that time, and it has been the world’s greatest encyclopedia so far. Moreover, books like Ben Cao Gang Mu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Nong Zheng Quan Shu (Comprehensive Treatise on Agricultural Administration), Tian Gong Kai Wu (Heavenly Creations), and other works were all the epitome of traditional technology. In education, government-operated schools were set up at all levels from the central government to the local “Xian” (county) and “She” (community), and education in private academy was also booming. Especially, Western science and culture began to be introduced into China, which had broadened the vision of the Chinese people.