Editor's Preface


EDITOR'S PREFACE

China today is the world's "enigma wrapped in a mystery." Just as
the former Soviet Union was once an unknown and feared other, China
now faces the same level of misunderstanding and distrust. What we have
attempted to do in this Symposium Issue is demythologize the People's
Republic of China by providing the reader with the tools to evaluate and
analyze contemporary issues in Chinese law for him/herself. We do offer
a point of entry into a culture that continues to survive and thrive after
3000 years. China deserves our professional attention and our respect.
Her scholars merit this and other opportunities to engage in meaningful
dialog with colleagues around the world.

Most of all, I hope this issue makes us all think more about the
role of China and other non-western countries in the evolution and
development of the rule of law. We, as attorneys and other educated people,
must expand our understanding of law to include the rich traditions of
our non-western colleagues if we are to fully appreciate the opportunities
in a truly global society.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I would like to thank the
following people for their efforts in this project: Jeff Fugal, Rebecca
Knoll, Donna Valin-Penrose, Adrienne Quill, Michelle Sommer, and Chris
Arvin. In addition, I would like to thank the following members of the
faculty for their special attention to this project: Professor Jeff Grove and
Professor Jim Nehf. Dean Norman Lefstein deserves special mention for
his unwavering belief in and support of the Indiana International and
Comparative Law Review.. Last but not least, I offer my heartfelt thanks to
Chuck Smith for putting up with me during this vexatious process of
publication: I could not have done it without you.

Kim L. Milone
Executive Symposium Editor
Indianapolis, 1996