Abstract: Professor Liebman will discuss the content and theory behind "Xi Jinping Rule of Law Thought," and what it means for the role of law in today's China. In particular, Professor Liebman will address efforts to reduce litigation through a return to mediation, the construction of a "foreign-related rule of law" system in China, the merging of "rule by virtue" with rule of law, and trends toward legalizing the Communist Party's own internal rules.

Speaker biography: Benjamin L. Liebman is the Robert L. Lieff Professor of Law at Columbia Law School, where he also directs the Hong Yen Chang Center for Chinese Legal Studies.  His research has covered diverse topics in Chinese law over the years, ranging from leniency in criminal law to medical dispute resolution and securities markets.  His recent work has revolved around the study of Chinese court judgments and the roles of artificial intelligence and big data in the Chinese legal system. Professor Liebman also serves as the director of the Parker School of Foreign and Comparative Law