Publicizing the New Laws: The Public Legal Education Campaign (From Social Control in the People's Republic of China, P 70-83, 1989, Ronald J. Troyer, John P. Clark, et al, eds. - See NCJ-120034)

• NCJ Number: 120038
• Author(s): R J Troyer
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: Praeger Publishers
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

China's Ministry of Justice has recently led an extensive effort to teach citizens about the new criminal laws in China, based on the views that knowledge and thought lead to action and that citizens must be educated about the content of laws if they are to obey them.

Abstract

The Ministry was abolished in 1959 and reestablished in 1979. Its legal education efforts have gone through distinct phases. The first phase went from 1979 to 1985, when the Ministry developed procedures for routine legal education. Most of these practices continue today. However, Ministry and Communist Party officials decided that something more was needed. Thus, they launched a special campaign in 1986. This campaign is to last 5 years and is directed to citizens from ages 7 to 65. The preparations have involved Communist Party leaders at all levels. The campaign involves the use of the media and is carried out through the workplace and the schools, with the workplace efforts the most important. The available research suggests that the campaign will have some effect, although many precommunist traditions will undoubtedly serve as a guide for behavior. 13 references.