明朝处在封建社会的后期,其刑罚要比唐宋时期严苛,这是由特定的历史条件所决定的。明朝酷刑的种类以及残忍程度达到了封建社会的顶峰,在司法上更是滥施酷刑、法外用刑。这些残酷刑罚的实施虽带来了相应的结果,但总体上不利于社会的发展。 The Ming Dynasty was in the later stage of feudal society, its penalty is harsh than the Tang and Song Dynasties, which is determined by the specific historical conditions. The types and cruelty of torture in the Ming Dynasty reached the pinnacle of feudal society. In the judicial system, they were still abusively tortured and extrajudicial sentences imposed. Although these cruel punishments have brought the corresponding results, they are generally detrimental to the development of the society.