Culture and Communication

This study tries to provide an interpretive framework for understanding communication practices in the Chinese criminal courts. Using ethnographic research methods, it describes culture-specific patterns of communication in Chinese criminal trials and interprets their culture-specific functions. In particular, it points out that Chinese criminal trials are used to convince defendants to admit guilt and to confess in court, to educate the public about law, and to prevent the public from committing crimes. The persuasive functions of cultural concepts such as “face” and “shame” are also examined.