The Sui Dynasty was a short-lived Chinese dynasty that ruled from 581 to 618 AD. During this time, the rulers of the Sui adopted a number of progressive economic and social reforms that laid the groundwork for the later Tang Dynasty. One of the most important contributions of the Sui Dynasty was its comprehensive law code, which included a variety of laws governing all aspects of society, from family relations to taxation.
I. Laws Governing Non-Political Life:
A. The Law of Succession
1. Male children of the family had legal priority over female children in terms of inheritance.
2. A man’s eldest son had legal priority over all other legitimate children in terms of inheritance rights.
3. The right to succession passed through the male line of descent.
B. The Law of Adoption
1. Children could be legally adopted by a family, provided that both parties followed the procedures laid out in the code.
2. The adopted child was legally considered to be the same as if it were born into the family.
3. Adopted children had the same rights as any other children in terms of inheritance and succession.
II. Laws Regulating Politics
A. The Law of Treason
1. Treason against the government was strictly prohibited and punishable by death.
2. Individuals engaging in activities deemed to be inimical to the interests of the state, such as conspiring with foreign powers, could be punished for treason.
B. The Law of Corvée
1. Corvée labor was a form of taxation in which members of the population were required to work without payment in order to help build or maintain public works or military projects.
2. Corvée labor could be imposed on individuals or on households, depending on the needs of the government.
3. Individuals or households that failed to comply with corvée obligations faced severe punishments.
C. The Law of Taxation
1. The Sui Dynasty implemented a uniform tax system based on landholding size, population and personal wealth.
2. Taxpayers were divided into five categories, each with their own tax rate.
3. Tax collections were conducted at the local level, with officials responsible for ensuring that taxes were paid on time.
III. Laws Governing Family Relations
A. The Law of Marriage
1. Marriage was restricted to individuals within the same social status.
2. Marriage between lineal relatives (e.g. first cousins) was not allowed.
3. Marriages could only be ended through mutually agreed upon divorce, or by court decree.
B. The Law of Divorce
1. Upon mutual agreement by both parties in a marriage, a divorce could be granted.
2. If a divorce was not amicably agreed upon, either party could petition the court for dissolution of the marriage.
3. Divorced wives were entitled to one-third of the household property and assets, as well as child custody.
C. The Law of Inheritance
1. Inherited property was given priority to the eldest son in the family, with siblings receiving lesser amounts.
2. Male children were given preference to female children in terms of inheritance rights.
3. Widows and unmarried daughters were entitled to one-sixth of their deceased husbands’ and fathers’ possessions, respectively.
These are just some of the numerous laws developed during the Sui Dynasty. The Sui rule ushered in an era of unprecedented political stability and economic prosperity for China, and its law code served as the basis for many of the regulations that would govern Chinese society for centuries to come.