Grassroots courts enhance access to justice

Over 11,000 grassroots-level courts in China, primarily located in villages and residential complexes, handled around 34 million cases between 2021 and 2025, 1.7 times the number from the previous five years, as announced by China's top court on Monday.

These grassroots courts, which operate as branches of district or county-level courts, serve as the judiciary's closest point of contact with the general public, acting as the frontline for dispute resolution and justice delivery, according to the Supreme People's Court.

The top court described these branches as the "tentacles" of the country's judicial system, noting that their number had grown to 11,035 by the end of last year, with 7,615 located in rural areas.

Some branches have simplified litigation procedures for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and people with disabilities, to help them resolve employment and work-related injury disputes more efficiently. Additionally, some branches have been established in remote or specialized areas, including grasslands, tourist destinations, and financial districts, to provide legal services directly to local residents.

The top court highlighted the crucial role these branches have played in safeguarding livelihoods and promoting agricultural development over the past five years. It revealed that they have intensified efforts to address disputes at their source and enhance grassroots governance by collaborating with 234,000 village committees, community committees, and mediation organizations nationwide.

The court urged these branches to maintain their focus on handling common public complaints, including cases related to family and marriage, property management, traffic accidents, private loans, and personal injury compensation. It also called on them to pay greater attention to disputes arising from the internet and emerging businesses, emphasizing the need for thorough research on legal issues involving child-related cases and collaborative efforts to strengthen child protection.