Tigers without Teeth The Pursuit of Justice in Contemporary China [Hardcover]

Wilson examines the evolving relationship between civil society and the legal system of the Peoples Republic of China since the mid-1990s. The work focuses on the pursuit of justice through the Chinese legal system by victims of environmental pollution and by HIV/AIDS carriers. Wilsons analysis of the struggle of these two disadvantaged groups to organize, seek their day in court, and strengthen legal protections is well documented and insightful. His findings include national and local regulations that work against the formation of regional and national civil organizations, frequent court denial of hearings for cases with political implications, the privileged legal position of government-backed civil advocacy groups, legal statutes that are vague and without enforcement power, a political climate that prizes stability and order over justice and compensation, and societal orientations that favor arbitration over court proceedings. Still, Wilson presents a picture of a society witnessing a growing role for civil organizations and the legal profession in tempering the actions of government and party officials. This work is highly recommended for graduate level research collections on China, environmental law, health care law, and civil society. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate, research, and professional collections.This engagingly written book. . . .covers an impressive combination of topics for those interested in issues of justice within Chinas legal system, for HIV/AIDS carriers, and for environmental pollution victims. This well-researched book provides an in-depth analysis of the vulnerabilities in Chinas legal system. It is essential reading for anyone struggling to understand how the environmental pollution victims and HIV/AIDS carriers struggle for justice in China.A must-read.... Wilson adds new depth to scholarship on modern China studies by presenting a detailed picture of Chinese civil societys struggle for legal justice in the last two decalSQ