Abstract
This article identifies, translates and analyzes a series of legal documents that are held by the Yuelu Academy, Hunan. The documents were promulgated by the Qin throne and date to the late-Warring States and early-imperial periods. They range from the early years of King Zheng of Qin down to shortly after the establishment of the Qin empire in 221 BC. Their contents range widely, from legal processes, to military affairs, and to economic and family matters. They contain many specific legal terms that became ubiquitous in later-Qin and early-Han times, as determined from scientifically excavated materials. By examining the documents we gain significant insight into the developments within the legal and administrative systems of the Qin and are in a position to challenge the traditional historical narrative that has been accepted ever since Sima Qian composed his Historical Records under Emperor Wu of the Han.
Keywords
law, ordinances, Qin, Yuelu Academy, dated documents
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