Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No. 12, 2025

Temporal Order in Economic Law

(Abstract)

Jin Wenhui

Time constitutes a foundational element in the framework of economic law, shaping and regulating its ongoing systematic operation. Because economic conditions continually evolve, economic law must adapt accordingly and be periodically updated to remain relevant. This requires the systematic integration of temporal concepts, functions, and regulatory elements into its framework, thereby establishing a structured temporal order. By employing a linear conception of time, economic law fosters dynamism, active facilitation, and systemic coherence. Moreover, the integration of standardized and flexible temporal paradigms ensures synchronization, coordination, adaptability, and responsiveness. In the implementation of economic law, temporal arrangements perform several key functions: they define the context for regulatory intervention, link different intervention mechanisms, and coordinate enforcement actions taken under those mechanisms. Temporal norms in economic law are expressed through time-sensitive policies and legislation, including provisions on temporal validity, prescribed durations, time-compression requirements, and time-extension mechanisms. The jurisprudential foundation guiding the construction of temporal order within economic law rests on three objectives: the protection of reliance interests, present interests, and future interests. These work together under the principle of efficiency optimization to achieve a scientifically calibrated allocation of temporal resources.