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LAW5437 · China's legal system

Official Handbook

2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 5Faculty of Law

Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTC

Overview

This unit aims to provide students with a basic understanding of Chinese legal institutions. There will be focus not just on the law itself, but also on matters of legal culture, politics, economics, institutional design, and other matters that effect the development and operation of the law. In addition, by way of specific examples, the unit examines contract law and company law in China in some detail. This will be of particular interest for students who wish to understand Chinese law for the purposes of trade and cooperation with Chinese enterprises. A key element will be on examining the Chinese legal system as an example of one where all legal action is highly politicized and where this is considered proper. Classes will, where possible, use reports, journal articles or cases as a basis for analysis and discussion.

Offerings

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

#AssessmentTypeWeightHurdle
1Class participationDemonstration10%
2Take home examExamination40%
3Research assignment Written50%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

  1. Apply knowledge and understanding of fundamental issues in Chinese law with creativity and initiative to new situations in professional practice;
  2. Investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories in relation to Chinese law and policy using a comparative perspective;
  3. Conduct research into the Chinese legal system to create new understandings of key developments, likely future directions and current and emerging problems based on knowledge of appropriate research principles and methods;
  4. Use cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate at an abstract level complex ideas and concepts relevant to the Chinese legal system effectively and persuasively to specialist or non-specialist audiences and peers.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit typically comprises of a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study applicable to a 6 credit point unit. Learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning, and online engagement.

ActivityDuration
Workshops24 hours

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