Chinese Courts and Prosecutors Prioritize People's Concerns

Chinese Courts and Prosecutors Prioritize Public Interest Cases

Chinese judicial authorities handled numerous public interest cases last year, demonstrating their commitment to addressing people's concerns and enhancing access to justice. This focus on public interest was evident in the annual work reports reviewed by national lawmakers.

Prosecutors and judges prioritized frequently disputed issues such as food safety, cyberbullying, and livestreaming sales. They also strengthened protections for vulnerable groups, including women, the elderly, and children. Officials emphasized that proper handling of these cases, while seemingly less severe than violent crimes, is crucial for protecting people's fundamental interests, safety, and well-being.

The reports from the Supreme People's Court (SPC) and the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) were submitted to the ongoing third session of the 14th National People's Congress for review.

The SPP report highlighted the prosecution of individuals endangering food and drug safety, with 15,000 indictments and 4,175 prosecutions for medical insurance fraud. Additionally, prosecutors initiated 26,000 public interest litigation cases after uncovering violations in areas like counterfeiting, illegal food additives, and non-compliant sales.

Procurator-General Ying Yong emphasized the philosophy of putting people first, stating that their actions safeguard the money people rely on for medical care and enable them to experience the services provided by prosecutors.

The SPC report revealed that Chinese courts concluded over 5.48 million cases related to public well-being last year, including disputes over education, elder care, and healthcare. This represents a 1.7 percent year-on-year increase.

The SPC also issued legal documents to regulate common sources of litigation and promote social governance. One such measure was a judicial interpretation on bride prices, a traditional practice that has led to high-cost transactions, lawsuits, and even criminal cases.

Judges intensified efforts to handle lawsuits related to emerging business models, including ride-hailing services, food delivery, and fraud schemes targeting elderly consumers in livestreaming sales. These efforts aimed to improve internet platform regulations and address challenges posed by an aging population.

The commitment of Chinese judicial authorities to public interest cases demonstrates their dedication to protecting people's rights and promoting a just and equitable society.