The magistrate was not allowed free rein or to rely on customary law but was constrained both by instructions from the emperor, which had the force of law, and by the Great Qing Code, which included both civil law and criminal law.
The magistrate was not allowed free rein or to rely on customary law. The magistrate was constrained both by instructions from the emperor, and by the Great Qing Code. The Great Qing Code included both civil law. The Great Qing Code included criminal law. The emperor had the force of law.