Book excerpt: This book examines the historical and politico-economic context in which Chinese law has developed and transformed, focusing on the underlying factors and justifications for changes. It attempts to sketch the main trends in legal modernisation in China and, by doing so, it is hoped that the main features of contemporary Chinese law can be outlined and the nature of contemporary Chinese law can be better understood from a developmental perspective. This book offers a comprehensive coverage of topics such as: 'legal culture' and modern law reform, constitutional law, legal institutions, law-making, administrative law, criminal law, criminal procedure law, civil law, property, family law, contracts, law on business entities, securities, bankruptcy, intellectual property, law on foreign investment and trade, and implementation of law.