This book discusses the relationship, interaction and conflict between everyday life and various institutions in a specific village in North China, with a focus on the formal and informal legal systems. It vividly describes the villageâs âlegal construction problemsâ as well as the customs and laws, and such it can be seen as a historical and innovative comment on Chinaâs problems. The book is based on the authorâs field investigations assessing vast amounts of material concerning local organizations, formal and informal authorities, economic exchange, religious rituals, as well as interviews with villagers and numerous court files. It presents an in-depth exploration of âpluralism of authorityâ in Chinaâs rural society, and examines how various authorities were formed. It also summarizes how various local disputes are resolved and discusses the villagersâ understanding of the concept of âjustice.â Lastly, it suggests ways in which national law andlocal customs could communicate and collaborate.
