A Study On Wuhan Lawyers Community In Modern China

Wuhan lawyers community in Modern China, came into being in the late Qing Dynasty and was cancelled in fonding of People's Republic of China, went through a tortuous road in half century. Based on the path of social history, this thesis tried to use social change theory and empirical research method and quantitative research method to make a long time and all-round inspection to Wuhan lawyers community, and give them an objective assessment in the modernization process of legal system in modern China.During the modernization of the law in the late Qing Dynasty, Western lawyer system was introduced to China, which is not only the objective needs of China's social and economic development, but also the external influence of western powers' consular jurisdiction in china. Despite the resistance, China's lawyer system was established in early Republic of China. Wuhan is one of the citys where the earliest lawyers appeared .There are several reasons: firstly, Hankow was opened as a trading port and foreign lawyers appeared in hankow concessions; then, the new style education and abroad study education were valued in Hubei and judicial reform was developed positively in Wuhan; neverthelessly, both the Hubei Military Government and Wuhan early lawyers attached great importance to lawyer system's construction.The rise of Wuhan lawyers has a long-term historical foundation.During Hubei Military Government, the Northern Government, the Wuhan Nationalist Government and Nanjing National Government, Wuhan lawyers community experienced different development stages. Broadly speaking, 1912-1916 was the initial stage of Wuhan lawyers; 1917-1927 was its preliminary development stage; 1928-1937 was its rapid development stage. In the complex social environment, from its members huge loss to steady development, Wuhan lawyers developed to the summit in the 1930s. During the Anti-Japanese War period, part lawyers stayed in Wuhan where had been the enemy-occupied area for various reasons. Their performance varied: Some lawyers not only continue there business, and worked for the Japanese and Puppet government; a small number of lawyers acted as spys of the National Government, and engaged in dangerous work. After the Anti-Japanese War, Wuhan lawyers had made short-term recovery and development. The judicial department once checked and punished the laways who had worked for the Japanese and Puppet government, while some ones evaded the penalty.As a modern professional community, Wuhan lawyers had distinct characteristics in native place, education, sex constitution and overall quality Etc. In addition, they could get businesses which involved many aspects through many ways, so they gained the high income, maintained the superior life, had certain social influence, but won the contradictory evaluation.Wuhan lawyers' Bar Associations were large and founded early, which were important self-government organizations of them. Bar Associations' organization settlement transformed from chairman system to board system, its structure and operation mechanism always maintained democratic ranging. However, due to Wuhan lawyers splited into small groups and struggled for power, Bar's activities were seriously disturbed and resulted baneful influence.Nevertheless, Wuhan lawyers' Bar Associations once played important roles in the establishment of the National Bar Association and the resumption of consular jurisdiction, which also trird to safeguard the rights and interests of Wuhan lawyers.Wuhan lawyers also had a good performance in political participation. Dong Biwu, Zhang Guoen, Liu Bochui, Shi Yang, who were immortal characters in the Chinese revolution history, had all been lawyers in Wuhan. The Communist Party Wuhan Branch was founded in a Law office by them.They brought honor to Wuhan lawyers group. Wuhan lawyers and their associations repeatedly invested into the patriotic anti-imperialist political movements and issued a voice of justice. After the Anti-Japanese War, a small number of Wuhan lawyers attended the City Council, played a certain role, and got a lot of benefits. But, some lawers continued working for nationalist party and buried themselves endly. After the founding of New China, Wuhan lawyers were restricted and eventually be cancelled. After witnessing half century's changes and sprinkle, it looked as standed at its starting point.In short, the development process of Wuhan lawyers group was a microcosm of modernization of the legal system in Modern China.