《1901年枢密院威海卫法令》规定了威海卫的法律渊源、立法程序以及法庭构成。威海卫政府非常重视解决租借地内中国居民的争端,为此推行了种种措施,如村董调解、免收诉讼费、设立“诉状箱”等。英租殖民政府并不热衷于立法,在允许的范围内适用中国传统法律及习惯,从而在司法过程中常常违背英国的证据规则与审判程序。英国统治者之所以推行这样的治理策略,主要是维护当地稳定的需要和中国文化影响的结果。 The Weihai Wei Decree of the Privy Council of 1901 sets forth the legal origins, legislative procedures and composition of court of Weihaiwei. Weihai Wei government attaches great importance to resolving the dispute over the lease of Chinese residents, for which they have implemented various measures such as mediation by village directors, exemption from litigation costs and the establishment of “petition boxes.” The British-colonial government is not keen on the legislation and applies the traditional Chinese laws and customs to the extent allowed. As a result, it often runs counter to Britain’s rules of evidence and trial in the judicial process. The reason why British rulers promote such a strategy of governance is mainly to uphold the needs of local stability and the consequences of Chinese culture.