Circulating the Code

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The book explores the accessibility of legal knowledge in Qing dynasty China, revealing that legal texts were commercially published and widely available, challenging previous notions of an insular legal system. Publishers played a crucial role in disseminating the dynastic code and legal commentaries, which enhanced the influence of case precedents. This shift fostered a new legal culture characterized by increased public awareness, the emergence of nonofficial legal experts, and a significant rise in litigation, transforming laws into a shared resource rather than elite knowledge.