Sellett, acting dean of the Comparative Law School of China, (Soochow University), livered an interesting address upon "Law in China" at Monday's meeting of the Y's Men's Club of Shanghai at the Carlton Cafe, Mr. Win. Yinsoz Lee presiding.
In the course of his address, Dr. Sellett said that the firet modern law school in China to be established was at the Peiyang University, Tientsin, in 1895 for the purpose of training young men for responsible official positions requiring legal knowledge. "In 1915 Soochow University opened its law school with eight students and now has over 100, It is the only schoo} touching common law la China and the faculty is composed—entirely: of members of the Shanghai bars, all of whom are lawyers in actual Practice.
Speaking of the ancient eximinal law of China Dr. Sellolt stated that it was older than the old Roman law, but was unsuitable to present day' conditions. The new criminal law has already been codified ana passed, it being based upon the Japanese law which was copier from Germany. Apart from the criminal law, China should either adopt the Continental civil law or the common law of England and America because Chinese, law is not applicable to modern business conditions, it being based upon. ancient customs and usage, and out of date. It was for the Chinese Iawmakers to determine which was best for their country—the civil or present would mp? be long before u de jon would be arrived at for she adoption of one or the other for the general naa of the country.
In conclusion, Dr. Sellett stated that the law students of Chi would play an important part. in tie abolition of extraterritorial as the future judges of the country. would be chosen from among the! umber and the administration! of [the law would be in their hands.
Tokyo, "Dee. 16—Mr. Tsuneo Matwadelia, the Viceatnises Foreign "Affe % tes ea appointed tore Pacite Service one mibasrador to! Washiogtane Rea
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.