Power and Justice

This book discusses the relationship, interaction and conflict between everyday life and various institutions in a specific village in North China, with a focus on the formal and informal legal systems. It vividly describes the villages legal construction problems as well as the customs and laws, and such it can be seen as a historical and innovative comment on Chinas problems. The book is based on the authors field investigations assessing vast amounts of material concerning local organizations, formal and informal authorities, economic exchange, religious rituals, as well as interviews with villagers and numerous court files. It presents an in-depth exploration of pluralism of authority in Chinas rural society, and examines how various authorities were formed. It also summarizes how various local disputes are resolved and discusses the villagers understanding of the concept of justice. Lastly, it suggests ways in which national law andlocal customs could communicate and collaborate.