In 2021, a senior scholar told me that producing a book that makes a significant contribution to the relevant academic field can help me avoid having my tenure application rejected. So, I wrote a book proposal and was happy to hear that this proposal was quickly accepted by Brill.
Then, mainly because of the pandemic, a motorbike accident, time mismanagement, and engagement in civil society in Hong Kong, my submission of this monograph got way behind schedule. Admittedly, I found it very difficult to conduct legal research in Hong Kong on law in Qing China, colonial laws in the Straits Settlements, laws in the early period of Republican China, and laws in Taiwan early in the Japanese occupation. But I am fortunate to have had the help of friends and assistants. In this connection, for their kind support and assistance, I thank Billy Fung, Samuel Lai, Jon Chu, Melissa Leung, Karin Chau, Lavender Lui, Cher Roque, Antonio Ma, Alan Wong, Ada Chow and Janice Lee. I am indebted to Debra Soled, who kindly offered wonderful editing support.
I am also indebted to the librarians in the University of Hong Kong library, especially the law library. They kindly purchased local archival reports by the magistrates in Qing China, which become some of the main sources for the discussion on the judicial duties of the magistrates in Chapter 1.
In writing this book, I have received continuous support from Professor Michael Palmer and Dr. Dixon Wong, who helped me in considering the issues related to legal pluralism and, broadly speaking, law and anthropology.
Finally, I have had the indispensable support of my wife, Vivian, and my twin daughters, Frances and Agnes, as always, in this academic journey.
April 2024