The epoch of the Tang dynasty is often considered the highest point of the early Chinese civilization evolution (Hansen 204). Indeed, the breakthrough made in the legal field is beyond impressive. By designing a very specific and quite rigid set of rules and regulations for addressing the increasing crime rates in the empire, as well as creating a flexible system of land tenure, the Tang Dynasty created the premises for developing the state economy and improving the state’s legal system.
The Tang Dynasty advanced the Chinese legal system to an impressive extent. First, the issue concerning the increasing rates of theft was addressed efficiently. This was achieved by enhancing the “law on unauthorized use of property” (Ebrey 118). The penalty for breaking the law may be considered rather harsh; nevertheless, one must admit that it worked for the creation of a safer environment.
A major emphasis put by the Tang Dynasty on the problem of physical violence also deserves to be mentioned: “When killing or injuring resulted, apply the laws on intentional battery” (Ebrey 117).
The specified step allowed for incorporating the principles of justice into the system of Chinese society. As a result, the residents of the Empire became more law-abiding. Finally, the fact that the land law was finally addressed deserves a mentioning: “If the land of more than one family was illicitly cultivated, decide on the basis of one family” (Ebrey 119).
The introduction of the specified changes into the Chinese Empire created the environment for developing economic and political ties with other states. China finally reached a rather high point of home economy evolution; therefore, it was the time to establish trading relationships with other states, and the specified changes were a crucial step towards this process.
Works Cited
Ebrey, Patricia Buckley. “The Tang Legal Code.” Chinese Civilization: A Sourcebook. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster, 1993. 116–119. Print.
Hansen, Valerie. The Open Empire: A History of China to 1600. New York, NY: W. W. Norton, 2000. 203–219. Print.