Based on empirical analysis of judgments in imperial China, this article discusses the feature of application of written law during adjudicative process from the (ain Dynasty to the Ming and Qing, outlines its development and transition, and explores its characteristic and reasons. It is purported that a strict reliance on written law in the Qin and early Han was transformed since the mid-term Western Han. The written law played significant roles in judgments through formalistic references, but was applied with pragmatic consideration. Firmly established since the Tang together with the new legal ideology and institutions, this characteristic defines the functions of written law in China since then. Even today, it still has enormous influence which invites more questions and deliberation. |