Early nineteenth century Qing legal documents illustrate how judicial authorities struggled with and openly debated questions around how to make punishments fit the crimes of homicide and homosexual rape. In the course of their deliberations these officials reveal interesting insights into Qing dynasty attitudes toward same-sex relations, the equality of men and women, and the role of compassion in systems of adjudication. While, in general ways, laws were promulgated during the Qing to benefit the emperor and the state, they were interpreted and refined to reflect the realities of society and human nature.
Professor Jeffrey Riegel is Professor and Head of School of the School of Languages and Cultures, Faculty of Arts, Sydney University. Most of Jeffrey Riegel’s 34-year academic career was spent at the University of California, Berkeley. He retired from the position of Agassiz Professor of Chinese in 2007. He travels frequently to China and has long been committed to helping bring about a greater understanding of China.