China University of Political Science and Law

Emerging from the confluence of prestigious institutions, China University of Political Science and Law stands as a testament to the enduring pursuit of knowledge and justice. Right here, at the crossroads of legal and political thought, a unique institution was born. China University of Political Science and Law, often called CUPL, opened its doors in 1952 as the Beijing College of Political Science and Law. Imagine the intellectual fusion as departments from Peking University, Yenching University, Fu Jen Catholic University, and Tsinghua University merged to form this new academic powerhouse. The esteemed scholar Ch’ien Tuan-Sheng, a Harvard graduate considered the founder of modern political science in China, became its first president. CUPL’s motto, “Cherish the Moral, Understand the Law, Know the World, Serve the Public,” encapsulates its mission. The university quickly became a vital center for legal education in China. It pioneered specialties like Legal History, Civil and Commercial Law, Economic Law, Procedure Law, and Comparative Law. CUPL has two campuses. The original Haidian campus now focuses on postgraduate studies. Undergraduates primarily study at the larger Changping campus. The university maintains a vibrant international exchange program, hosting approximately 1,000 foreign students annually. CUPL played a significant role in China’s legal development, with its graduates becoming influential figures in law enforcement and practice. In 1983, reflecting its national importance, the institution was renamed China University of Political Science and Law. This marked a period of rapid growth. The Changping campus, a part of the State’s Seventh Five-Year Plan, further expanded the university’s reach and impact. China University of Political Science and Law remains a pivotal force in shaping China’s legal landscape, its legacy interwoven with the pursuit of justice and the evolution of legal thought.