A Matter of Life and Death

Chronicling 260 Years of Transformation in the Board of Punishments: Unveiling the Foundational Logic of Qing Dynasty Rule 绘刑部260余年沧桑变化，窥清王朝统治的底层逻辑 Drawing from a diverse range of historical sources-including chronological official histories, institutional records, archives, collected works, chronicles, and personal notes-this book provides a detailed analysis of the evolution of the penal system in the Qing Dynasty. While systematically examining institutional developments, the study also incorporates perspectives on key figures and events, portraying the technical expertise of legal specialists within the Board of Punishments. Through the deliberation and revision of legal cases, it reconstructs the complex interplay of jurisprudence, human sentiment, and political interests that characterized interactions between the Board of Punishments, other central government bodies, and local officials. By examining the segmented yet pivotal role of imperial power within the penal system, this work reveals how the Qing Dynasty enhanced the operational efficiency of its legal apparatus to maintain political and social stability under comprehensive institutionalized governance, thereby mitigating crises of legitimacy throughout its rule. 本书综合编年体官修史书、各类典章、档案、文集、年谱、笔记等史料，对清代刑名制度的发展做出了详细梳理。同时，在制度史研究中引入对人、事的考察，刻画了具有相当专业素养的刑部技术型官僚形象，由案件的驳议往来，再现刑部与其他中央机构及地方官员在法理、人情、利益交织情况下的多重博弈。 全书通过分析清代皇权在刑名体系中的环节性作用，揭开了有清一代如何提升刑名体系的运作效率，以维持全面制度化治下的政治与社会稳定，由此缓解统治合法性的危机。