Description
Book SynopsisRepresents the genre of legal case narratives - most involving homicide - from late imperial China. This book includes testimony from the accused and from witnesses, family members, and neighbors, as well as summaries and opinions from local magistrates, their coroners, and other officials higher up the chain of judicial review.
Trade Review"[T]he material translated . . . consists essentially of initial depositions in the case . . . In this lies their unique value in offering, as does no other source, contemporary accounts of ordinary life . . ."
-- Geoffrey MacCormack * Journal of the Economic and Social History of the Orient *
"Hegel’s compilation and translations are of great value in challenging existing and still very strong stereotypes and misunderstandings of Chinese legal history….Hegel’s emphasis on the actual writing of these documents and the rhetorical styles employed by magistrates is an important contribution to understanding the relationship between literature, law, and writing in China….[A] critically important primary-source collection to supplement growing scholarship and interest on law and literature in pre-modern China."
-- Norman P. Ho * NYU Journal of International Law and Politics *
"A top-notch book. . . . Hegel has judiciously selected these cases to allow the reader access to 'glimpses of lived experience—both personal and administrative in Qing China. . . . Students will be drawn to its engaging case studies, while scholars of the law will enjoy it for comparative purposes."
-- Ihor Pidhainy * Canadian Journal of History *
"His highly engaging writing style makes this volume easily accessible for non-China specialists interested in Qing law, society, and culture. . . . The book is well suited for classroom use and would appeal to a wide audience."
-- Lisa Tran * Nan Nu *
"There are rich rewards for someone who reads it looking for evidence about women."
-- Ann Waltner * Journal of Women's History *
"The book will interest students who will find the tabloid-like content alluring and the Chinese legal issues relevant. . . It will also be valuable for scholars investigating China's criminal justice and administrative systems."
* The Historian *
Table of ContentsPreface and Acknowledgments
Translator's Notes
Introduction
Part I Judicial Procedures
Case 1: Xu Si: A Scuffle over a Debt (Jiangsu, 1792)
Case 2: Li Huaiyu: The Missing Brother (Hunan, 1736)
Case 3: Ms. Guo: Accidental Homicide Concealed (Zhili, 1794)
Case 4: Li Cang: Blackmail and Arsenic (Shanxi, 1803)
Case 5: Cao Ligong: Attempted Rape That Led to Murder (Zhili, 1803)
Part II Interrogation Techniques
Case 6: Du Huailiang: Adultery That Brought Disaster (Shandong, 1696)
Case 7: Rui Meisheng: Manslaughter over an Outhouse (Anhui, 1722)
Case 8: Jia Mingyuan: Accidental Homicide (Fengtian, 1796)
Part III Intent and Premeditated Violence
Case 9: Luo Zhongyi: Kidnapping (Guangdong, 1728)
Case 10: Wang Azhen: Murder for Extortion (Guangdong, 1779)
Part IV The Failure of "Confucian" Family Values 122
Case 11: Li Er and Li San: Two Pecks of Beans (Fengtian, 1738)
Case 12: The Hong Brothers: A Quarrel over Manure (Hunan, 1738)
Case 13: Ms. Wang: Incest and Violent Homicide (Jilin, 1738)
Case 14: Ms. Ma: Disguised Poisoning (Shandong, 1795)
Part V Control of Politically Marginal Groups and Individuals
Case 15: A Village Vendetta and Han Intercession (Guangxi, 1728)
Case 16: Rebellious Religious Sectarians (North China,1791-1814)
Case 17: Ji Yanghua: Secret Society Member (Shanxi, 1814)
Part VI Social Mobility and Crime
Case 18: Jin San: A Spurned Lover (Sichuan, 1728)
Case 19: Luo Fenpeng: A Phony Scholar-Official (Jiangxi, 1763)
Part VII Imperial Intervention
Case 20: Li Yuchang: A Magistrate Murdered for His Integrity (Jiangsu, 1809)
Appendix 1. Banners and Other Social Organizations
Appendix 2. Popular Religious Movements
Appendix 3. Cases Listed by Social Conflict
Chinese Character Glossary
Bibliography of Studies in English
Index
