NEWS: China To Start Use of Jury Trials

Starting next week on May 1, China will for the first time have jury members decide for both civil and criminal cases. The 27,000 members thus far, with 53,734 as a final goal, will accompany judges in groups of three, and a term of five years. The idea is to bring more justice back to the court system. The jurors will have as much power as the judges in an effort to stem judicial problems, like one man who was wrongly imprisoned for 11 years for murdering his wife who was, in fact, a live.



Well, it's a great step, they're finally putting it into place after 50 years, but after reading about all the protests I just don't know. China banned media coverage of the protests, and was considering banning the use of text messaging to organize protests. Those actions seem directly in line with a Communist government; the above doesn't. Wonder which one isn't gonna go through...

Maybe they're just keeping us on our toes. I honestly don't know what to expect next.

Very interesting find. But one has to wonder - is this just for show? To give the Chinese people the illusion of a fair trial by their peers? Or is it a show for the rest of the world akin to China saying "We can mimic your judicial process"?

We will have to see how this pans out i guess.

[edit on 25-4-2005 by negativenihil]

Let's hope it works.

I don't look for any directional changes, but for the average Chinese if the system helps ensure 'justice' what more could be asked?

Well, if it works, just nope they don't abuse it like we do here is the USA.

It will never work as long as they have an unyielding leader determined to preserve the Communist Party's monopoly on power and willing to impose new limits on speech and other civil liberties in the country.

ah, a pre-selected, pre-approved pool of "jurors", following around judges. Party members only need apply? That'll be the cushiest job ever-the graft and corruption, a Jury Pool member won't have to work again.

Yeah, pre-selected jurors ....

Having said that though, on non-political cases, it's probably better then the 3 plumbers, 2 electricians, 4 retirees, 2 housewives and 1 student.