Out of the shadows and back to the future: CPC and law in China

Abstract

This paper comprehensively examines the present roles of the CPC in the various aspects of law and legal reform and the mechanisms through which Party leadership is exercised. It will argue that, although the recent assertive stand on Party leadership reflects the Xi-Li confidence in asserting China’s own model of governance, the current practice essentially brings out the Party from the shadows and suggests a tighter relationship between the Party and the State for the foreseeable future.