What role did basic-level legal workers play in rural China?

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Chinese law Statue of Qin Shihuangdi near his tomb, Xi'an, China.

In the context of the Chinese legal system, basic-level legal workers serve as essential paraprofessionals, primarily operating within rural areas. Their role was established during the reform era to address the need for a larger core of legally trained intermediaries as China transitioned toward a market-oriented economy.1

These workers perform two primary functions:
* Legal Guidance: They provide advice to ordinary citizens regarding simple legal issues.1
* Administrative Assistance: They assist individuals in navigating their legal interactions with the state.1

By the early 21st century, the number of these workers had grown to nearly 100,000, reflecting the state's effort to expand legal access and support across the country.1