The yamen were local government offices that served as both administrative and judicial centers for the counties or provinces. Each yamen was run by a county magistrate (县令, xiànlìng), who was responsible for overseeing local governance, collecting taxes, and administering justice. The yamen also functioned as a local courthouse where cases were heard and trials conducted.
Role of Yamen in the Judicial System
The yamen courts handled everything from minor civil disputes to serious criminal cases. Local magistrates were responsible for hearing the cases, making judgments, and issuing sentences. They were often the first point of contact for legal issues, with more complex cases being referred to higher courts or the Ministry of Justice.
The magistrates would often work closely with local officials, constables, and scribes to gather evidence, conduct interrogations, and maintain records. The yamen also served as detention centers for criminals awaiting trial or punishment.
The Hierarchical Structure of the Justice System
1. Local Level (Yamen and County Courts, 衙门与县令, yámén yǔ xiànlìng)
At the local level, justice was administered through the yamen, where the county magistrate presided over cases. These officials handled minor offenses and disputes but could also refer serious cases to provincial or central authorities.
2. Provincial Level (Provincial Courts, 省法院, shěng fǎyuàn)For more serious cases, or those involving high-ranking officials, provincial courts took over. These courts were typically staffed by officials appointed by the central government, and they handled major crimes such as murder, corruption, and rebellion.
3. Central Level (Ministry of Justice and Grand Court of Revision, 刑部与大理寺, xíngbù yǔ dàlǐsì)
The Ministry of Justice and the Grand Court of Revision handled the most complex or controversial cases, particularly those involving significant political implications or high-profile individuals. These cases could also be reviewed by the emperor himself, especially when capital punishment was involved.
The Grand Court of Revision (大理寺, dàlǐsì) served as a supreme judicial body, reviewing cases that had already passed through the lower courts. It acted as a final check to ensure that justice was administered fairly and that laws were applied correctly.