Chinese Thinking on Crime and Punishment: Old and New

Kam C. Wong, Xavier University

Abstract

ABSTRACT As a scholarly discipline, criminology in China is growing in stature, maturity, and utility. To date, there are very few investigations into Chinese thinking of crime, punishment and control in China. This is a first attempt to do so.

The article begins with an exploration of “Literature on law, crime and punishment in China.” This is followed by discussions on “The idea of crime (“Fanzui”),” “Traditional thinking on crime and punishment in China,” and “Contemporary thinking on crime and punishment in China.” Finally, the conclusion summarizes what we have learned.