A Study On Supervisory System Of The Ming Dynasty

The most important part of" the legal supervision in ancient China is its supervisory system which developed along two historical lines, one is the impeachment system another is the advising system .The supervisory system of Ming dynasty also was based on these two systems. Legal supervision system is composed of five key elements, they are subject, object, content, power and rules.The impeachment system that was formed in Tang dynasty and was composed of three branches had been changed in Ming dynasty. The three branches had been combined into one. Ming dynasty also set up some new impeachment bodies. Except the king, almost all officials and their all actions in Ming dynasty had become supervised object. The inspectors had many important powers, such as power to impeach, power to advise, power to punish, power to judge and power to audit. To ensure the supervisory system go on well, the Ming government not only perfected its supervisory personal administration system, but also set up a strict liability system.The supervisory system of Ming dynasty is a comprehensive supervision. Its main functions are to consolidate officials, to safeguard feudal legal order, to promote administrative efficiency, and finally to maintain absolute monarchy. The supervisory organs of Ming dynasty were independent from administrative department, and supervisors -were directly guided by the emperor. The supervisory effect was relatively better in early Ming dynasty than in late Ming dynasty. As a outstanding cultural heritage ,it is sure that we can benefit from its study.