Members of the legal profession in China have become enthusiastic Internet users, but this recent development has not been researched to date. This article offers a new perspective on relationships between lawyers, Internet users and Chinese civil society. The Internet, and blogs in particular, has provided lawyers with a forum for finding and exchanging information, where they can focus on matters of professional concern (topical legal issues, important court cases, new legislation, etc.). The many initiatives they have launched on the Internet have mobilised digital media that are improving communication and information on the legal and judicial system in China. This article seeks to determine whether Internet use by lawyers in China has significantly contributed to the development of civil society and thus to the emergence of a “community of principles” based on law.
Keywords
- China
- Internet
- blogs
- lawyers
- rights