The strength of the Qin state was greatly increased by the legalist reforms of Shang Yang in the 4 th century BCE, during the Warring States Period . Legalism is a philosophy of focusing on the text o...The strength of the Qin state was greatly increased by the legalist reforms of Shang Yang in the 4 th century BCE, during the Warring States Period . Legalism is a philosophy of focusing on the text of written law to the exclusion of the intent of law, elevating strict adherence to law over justice, mercy, grace, and common sense.
