On July 8, 2026, the 10th Huayu Forum of the College of Humanities and Law was held in Room D-311 of the Second Teaching Building on BUCT’s Changping Campus. The lecture, titled “The Gutachten Method of Civil Law Case Analysis”, was delivered by Professor Li Hao of Zhongnan University of Economics and Law. Several faculty members from the Department of Law attended, and Associate Professor Li Chao of the department hosted the lecture.

Professor Li began by explaining the concept of the basis of a claim and the core logic of the Gutachten method: formulate hypotheses boldly and test them carefully. He compared the method’s step-by-step analysis with the judgment style, which presents a conclusion before its reasoning. He explained that the Gutachten method helps train legal professionals to identify applicable law, analyze legal rules, and build arguments. He then outlined the standard order for identifying the basis of a claim and presented an approach that proceeds from specific provisions to general provisions. He explained that the analysis of a claim involves a complete set of legal rules, including rules establishing claims, defenses, and counter-defenses. He also explained three types of defenses: those that prevent a claim from arising, extinguish a claim, or bar its enforcement. In light of the growing use of AI in the legal profession, he further explained the Gutachten method’s step-by-step reasoning process and encouraged students to master its core principles and use tools effectively to Ldevelop distinctive professional expertise.

During the discussion, Associate Professor Feng Ke drew on her teaching experience in a course on civil and commercial case analysis to explain how substantive and procedural issues can be integrated in practical training. Students studying law asked questions about organizing the facts of complex cases and how undergraduates can advance their legal studies. Professor Li answered each question in detail.

The lecture deepened understanding among faculty and students of the Gutachten method and offered new perspectives for improving practical legal education and developing students’ core competencies. The College will continue to build on its strengths in legal studies by organizing academic events that combine theoretical depth with practical relevance. It will also invite scholars to campus to broaden faculty members’ and students’ academic horizons and advance legal education and the development of the discipline.