Video Library

The Uncertain Future of Chinese Law Reform

Stanley Lubman, Berkeley Law

Date: 02/24/2009
Duration: 0:59
Description:
China’s legal system has come a long way.  Economic reform has driven
legal reform: formal legislation now provides a framework for the
organization of the Chinese government, and judicial institutions have
been reconstructed in the wake of the Cultural Revolution.  But the
courts are inadequately professionalized, often favor local interests,
and corruption is widespread.  For the Chinese leadership maintaining
power trumps the rule of law.  Rights-consciousness is growing in
Chinese society, but political reform is needed to accelerate legal
reform. Professor Lubman discussed the quiet progress being made in
regards to developing laws to control administrative arbitrariness,
professionalizing the judicial system, and reducing the impact of “local
protectionism.”

Sponsor(s): Center for Chinese Studies (CCS)
Sponsor: Berkeley Center for Law and Business