Chin Dynasty Officials were terrified of their own laws

Chin Dynasty ruled China by "legalism" where officials were as terrified by the laws they enforced as were the peasants. They were enforced by burning books, executing scholars with differing viewpoints, etc. As a result, The Chin Dynasty lasted for only 15 years (221 to 206 BC). SEE: DVD "China: The Dragon's Ascent" @7:55