the erroneous sentences of the magistrates; who, previous to the reestablishment of a fixed Code of Penal Laws, were not in possession of any secure foundation, upon which they could build a just and equitable decision.
A numerous body of magistrates was, therefore, assembled at the capital, by our command, for the purpose of revising the Penal Code, formerly in force under the late dynasty of Ming[1], and of digesting the same into a new Code, by the exclusion of such parts as were exceptionable, and the introduction of others, which were likely to contribute to the attainment of justice, and to the general perfection of the work.
The result of their labours having been submitted to our examination, we maturely weighed and considered the various matter it contained, and then instructed a select number of our Great Officers of State, carefully to revise the whole, for the purpose of making such alterations and emendations as might still be found requisite.
As soon as this object was accomplished, we issued our Royal authority for the impression and publication of the work, under the Title of "Ta tsing leu chee kiay foo lee" or the General Laws of the Imperial Dynasty of Tsing, collected and explained, and accompanied by supplementary clauses.
Wherefore, officers and magistrates of the interior and exterior departments of our empire, be it your care diligently to observe the the same, and to forbear in future to give any decision, or to pass any sentence, according to your private sentiments, or upon your unsupported authority.
Thus shall the magistrates and people look up with awe and submission to the justice of these institutions, as they find themselves respectively concerned in them: the transgressor will not fail to suffer
- ↑ The Dynasty of Ming succeeded that of Yuen, or the Mongol Tartars, in the year 1568.
