By Jerome A. Cohen

How do we love Chinese law? Let me count the ways.

It offers a fascinating area for learning more about mankind’s philosophy, history, government, economy, society and myriad other matters.

The topic is essential for understanding the situation of 22% of humanity and for promoting its cooperation with the other 78%.

Coming up with relevant ideas may help to benefit 1.4 billion people, for example, by suggesting how to reduce the occurrence of arbitrary rule and to improve methods of dispute resolution and fostering economic development.

We can in turn learn from Chinese legal experience not only by studying negative examples but also by considering and adopting positive ones that may previously be unknown to us.

We have an obligation, in the interest of truth and progress, to let the world and China know our informed views of the Chinese legal experiment.

We also have an obligation to support the many in China who wish for and strive for an improved legal system, especially one that offers greater support for democracy, human rights and other universal values that enhance the likelihood of enjoying a decent life.