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Armen-Gurgen Movsesyan
Joshua Lewis Goldstein
Hist 106, Judge Dee Paper
March 29, 2014

The Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee: The Emphasis on Confucian Role Ethics in Chinese Politics

The novel, Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee, describes a judicial system very similar to
that of the Tang dynasty. During this era (618-907), the North and South China united, turning
into an expansive cosmopolitan empire. These were the times when institutions of political
control were codified in order to govern the massive empire. Throughout the novel, instances of
irresponsibility and corruption amongst ranks illustrate the political difficulties that the empire
faced. Furthermore, the novel repeatedly illustrates that the deeds of diligent and subordinate
officials contribute to a stable and functioning empire. Heavily rooted in Confucian principles,
these ideas stress adherence to societal roles. The political rhetoric in the novel Celebrated Cases
of Judge Dee advocates that an adherence to Confucian role ethics can remedy the
inconsistencies in a governing system, using the diligence of Judge Dee to exemplify the
importance of acceding societal roles.
The opening passage in the novel echoes Confucius teachings transcribed in the
Analects. The author explains that Ifa judge is honest, then the people in his district will be at
peace; and if the people are at peace, their manners and morals will be good (Judge Dee, p. 5).
These sentiments closely resemble the words of Confucius. On governing, Confucius states lead
them by means of virtueand they will have a sense of shame and moreover have standards
(Sourcebook, p. 40). The opening passages in the novel hint that Judge Dee embodies this kind
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of leader and that he will face difficulties that will test his resolve and the legitimacy of these
principles of governing. The first of such tests surfaces when Pang, warden of Six Mile Village,
attempts to implicate an innocent hostel owner, Koong, in a double murder. When Judge Dee
discovers that Pang desecrated the scene of the crime by moving the deceased bodies from the
original site closer to Koongs hostel, he orders his constables to let Pang have a hundred strokes
with a heavy bamboo. The onlookers admire Judge Dees punishing of the Warden, which
convinces them of Koongs innocence.
Upon further investigation, Sergeant Hoong learns that Koong had repeatedly short-
changed Pang in yearly tributes, according to Pangs subordinate, Djao San, and that Pang
intended to incriminate Koong out of spite (Judge Dee, p. 20). Pangs corrupt scheme
contradicts the principles of Confucian role ethics concerning the honesty of a leader and
demonstrates the consequences thereof, namely, the delay of the investigation and incrimination
of an innocent. Moreover, it serves to illuminate the exemplary character of the judge and
emphasize the importance of acceding ones role and responsibilities.
Judge Dee opens the second case of the novel involving Bee, a shopkeeper from Huang-
hua Village, after learning about the peculiar circumstances of his death from his elderly mother
while investigating the double murder. Having no other clues than the suspicious behavior of the
mothers daughter-in-law, Mrs. Djou, he orders Sergeant Hoong to gather more details.
Eventually, his instincts lead him and Hoong to the graveyard. There he exclaims that he intends
to avenge Bees death, believing that if [his] intention is earnest and true, the dead man will
succeed in giving [them] some signif he was dastardly murdered, his soul must still be
hovering about near his dead body (Jugde Dee, p. 45). The chapter in the graveyard portrays
Judge Dee as a compassionate man strictly concerned with seeking justice and protecting his
citizenry, even going as far as avenging tormented souls. Emporer Taizong, a contemporary of
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Judge Dee, in his advice to his heir to the throne, explains that a leader must broaden his will so
as to be able to embrace both Heaven and earth and must regulate his heart so as to be able to
make just decisions (Sourcebook, p. 112). The judges ability to persevere in face of a difficult
case and follow his heart in order to fulfill a righteous goal exemplifies Taizongs advice as well
as the underlying principles of Confucian role ethics.
One event in the novel seems at first to offer a counter-example to the benefits of abiding
to Confucian principles. Determined to prove Mrs. Djous guilt, he orders Bees body be
exhumed from the grave and autopsied to show that he did not die of a stomachache as Mrs.
Djou claims, but of poisoning (Judge Dee, p. 74). The autopsy fails to show any sign of
poisoning and it appears that the judges own stubbornness and overzealous drive to solve the
case has led him to failure. However, the judges resolve never falters. He closes the case of Six
Mile Village, solves another case of a poisoned bride, and eventually gathers enough evidence to
force Mrs. Djou to confess. In the face of adversity, Judge Dees strong will, intellect and good
heart leads to closure for several mourning families, retribution for a tormented soul and his
promotion to president of the metropolitan court.
The events portrayed in the Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee occur during the Tang
dynasty, a period in which Confucian teachings continued to heavily influence ideas regarding
ethics and government. The underlying sentiments conveyed in the novel support these concepts
and venerate the characters which adhere to them, namely, Judge Dee. The author depicts the
judge as the ideal leader, never wavering in his responsibilities even in the face of great odds.
Judge Dees exemplary performance as magistrate contributes to the stability of the empire and
the well-being of the people, allowing him to ascend in rank. The proper resolution of the story
neatly packages the ethical ideas explored in the novel in a manner which convincingly
substantiates the importance of acceding societal roles.