Legality of Rule of Law with Chinese Characteristics: A Case of “Ultra-Sinoism”

Abstract

The legal progression in China is portrayed negatively by western scholars who often argue that the state institutions in China are subordinate to the control of Chinese Communist Party’s leadership which makes these institutions politically insignificant. This thesis considers that the legal progression in China has an instrumental role in achieving “Harmonious Socialist Society”. The purpose of this thesis is to provide an analytical literature review of scholastic work to explain the legality of rule of law in China and to elaborate the outcomes of China’s recent legal developments.

This thesis has two main subjects. First, it examines the nature of law and rule of law in China through the prism of different legal theories. Secondly, by arguing from different political theories, it explains the necessity of customized legal system in China for establishing a Harmonious Socialist Society. By giving different examples from contemporary China, this thesis argues that the legality of the rule of law in China ought to be understood in the context of China’s economic and social progression rather than the western legal scholarship.

China’s economic progress demands a customized legal system. In this thesis, it is claimed that the regular upgradation of laws and introduction of constitutional amendments in China, should be recognized as important achievement which is required for the institutional innovation. Legal progression in China during last decade, perfectly fit into the framework of “Socialism with Chinese Characteristics” and is very crucial for building a harmonious socialist society. It is vivid from China’s economic growth and developed international relations. Finally, this thesis suggests that the Chinese legal progression can be taken as successful example of legal experimentalism.

Keywords: Rule of Law, Legality, Socialist Society, Legal Philosophy, Chinese Law, Chinese Constitution