China's legal system

This unit aims to provide students with a basic understanding of Chinese legal institutions. There will be focus not just on the law itself, but also on matters of legal culture, politics, economics, institutional design, and other matters that effect the development and operation of the law. In addition, by way of specific examples, the unit examines contract law and company law in China in some detail. This will be of particular interest for students who wish to understand Chinese law for the purposes of trade and cooperation with Chinese enterprises.

A key element will be on examining the Chinese legal system as an example of one where all legal action is highly politicized and where this is considered proper.

Classes will, where possible, use reports, journal articles or cases as a basis for analysis and discussion.