Core Viewpoint - The passing of Gao Mingxuan, a prominent legal scholar and educator, is a significant loss for the legal community and education sector in China, highlighting his extensive contributions to criminal law and legal education [1] Group 1: Personal Background and Achievements - Gao Mingxuan was a distinguished legal scholar, educator, and a member of the Communist Party of China, who passed away at the age of 98 on February 26, 2026 [1] - He was a key figure in the establishment of the first criminal code in New China, contributing to its drafting over 25 years and participating in 38 drafts until the final version was promulgated in 1979 [1] - Gao was the first doctoral supervisor in criminal law in China, recognized as an honorary first-level professor at Renmin University of China [1] Group 2: Contributions to Criminal Law - He played a crucial role in the comprehensive revision of the 1979 criminal law, leading to the 1997 version, which is considered the most complete and systematic criminal code in China's history [1] - Gao advocated for the principle of legality in criminal law, marking a significant step towards the modernization and rule of law in China's legal system [1] - His scholarly work includes eight monographs, over 90 edited volumes, and more than 300 articles, significantly influencing criminal law research and education [1] Group 3: Educational Impact - Gao was a dedicated educator who continued teaching until his advanced age, influencing numerous scholars and practitioners in the field of law [1] - He authored the first unified criminal law textbook in post-reform China, which won national awards for excellence in educational materials [1] - His commitment to education and legal scholarship earned him numerous accolades, including the title of "People's Educator" awarded by the President of China in 2019 [1] Group 4: International Influence - Gao was instrumental in establishing connections between the International Association of Criminal Law and Chinese legal scholars, enhancing China's presence in international criminal law discussions [1] - He served as vice president of the International Association of Criminal Law and led the Chinese branch, organizing significant international conferences [1] - His contributions to international legal discourse earned him prestigious awards and honorary degrees, solidifying his reputation globally [1]

Group 1 - The article discusses the unprecedented challenges faced by legal studies in the context of rapid technological advancements and societal changes [3][4] - It emphasizes the need for criminal legislation to adapt quickly to reflect social changes and protect citizens effectively [3][4] - The relationship between public perception of justice and legal interpretation is highlighted, indicating that public sentiment often outweighs academic legal theories [4] Group 2 - The article argues for a more inclusive and democratic approach to criminal law, suggesting that legal scholars should respect and express the true will of the public [4] - It points out the complexities of global crime in the digital age, where the boundaries of criminal behavior are increasingly blurred [4] - The necessity for a unique Chinese criminal law knowledge system that incorporates international perspectives while maintaining national characteristics is discussed [4]