The Great Ming Code (Da Ming Lu)

The Great Ming Code (Da Ming Lu) is a comprehensive legal manual compiled during the Ming Dynasty in China (1368–1644). It systematically organized laws, regulations, and administrative procedures to govern society, covering areas like criminal justice, civil rights, trade, and government conduct. Its purpose was to establish clear legal standards and ensure consistent enforcement across the empire. The code reflects Confucian principles emphasizing social harmony, hierarchy, and moral integrity, shaping Chinese law for centuries. It served as a model for legal systems in later East Asian countries and remains a valuable historical reference to China's legal and administrative history.