Development of the Chinese Legal System Since 1979 and its Current Crisis and Transformation

Abstract

A transformation is slowly taking place in China. Though this process is quite gradual, its consequences are very profound. This transformation has its origins in the more than 10 years of reforms of the country's economic system. However, it is only since the reforms entered the stage of the socialist market economy that a series of fundamental changes has occurred. As the operation, after several decades, of China's planned economy comes to an end, and is replaced by the socialist market economy, a corresponding transformation is taking place in the structure of society, people's patterns of behavior, and political and legal realms. China is currently in the process of change from an old to a new system. This article first examines the background to the social and economic transformation and the reconstruction and development of the legal system that has occurred since 1979, then outlines the present crisis in that system and the profound changes to it which are either currently occurring or will occur in the future.