Soundbites

Editor's note: The State Council Information Office held a group interview on Sunday themed "Strivers on the New Journey", bringing together representatives of the court system to engage with the media on the theme of "Making Fairness and Justice Tangible, Ensuring People Enjoy a Stronger Sense of Gain".

In handling cases at the grassroots level, resolving conflicts is just the beginning; truly addressing the underlying issues is the key. In 2022, I dealt with a case involving visitation rights. A young girl was living with her grandparents and was unwilling to see her father, who had traveled a long distance, which left him upset. Instead of ruling to suspend visitation, I visited the girl's home six times to better understand her situation. I also brought my own daughter along to befriend her and help open her heart. In the end, the father and the girl met and embraced, and in that moment, I felt a deep sense of relief and fulfillment. I firmly believe that while the law is strict, the practice of justice must have warmth.

Ji Shengli, a judge who handles civil cases from Chang'an District People's Court in Xi'an, Shaanxi province

To support the development of new quality productive forces, it is essential not only to resolve disputes in the courtroom but also to take proactive measures to prevent conflicts by delivering judicial services directly to the forefront of innovation. Our court has assigned judges to connect with multiple technology parks. For instance, my colleagues and I frequently visit science zones in Changping and Haidian districts. We focus on the needs of industrial growth, selecting significant cases to explain laws to enterprises. We also offer them an intellectual property protection guidebook to help innovators receive accurate and practical legal knowledge.

Zhou Liting, a judge from Beijing Intellectual Property Court

To conduct judicial affairs at the grassroots level, it's crucial not only to be well-versed in laws but also to show full respect toward litigants, making legal processes more accessible. I once handled a case involving a woman with a hearing impairment whose left thumb was injured in a car accident. I accompanied her to get a judicial appraisal, retrieved the accident materials from the traffic police, and tried my best to locate the defendant, who was homeless at the time. Eventually, the woman received her compensation. She expressed her gratitude by giving me a thumbs-up with her right hand. Although she couldn't speak, that gesture meant more to me than words ever could.

Long Jinpin, a judge from a court in Dali Bai autonomous prefecture, Yunnan province

The challenge of environmental adjudication lies in the fact that judges face not only conflicts between people but also conflicts involving humans and nature. In 2023, my colleagues and I handled a case involving illegal logging. The defendant had cut down over 1,000 trees, leading to soil erosion in a tributary of the Jiulong River, which is crucial for the water safety and flood protection of local residents. While punishing the defendant, we found another section of the same tributary that would be more effective in safeguarding the downstream villages when implementing bank protection and water retention projects. Therefore, we ordered the defendant to allocate 100,000 yuan ($14,930) for restoration to improve that section. Now, the project is complete, the water is cleaner, and travel for the villagers is safer.

Lin Wei, vice-president of Zhangzhou Intermediate People's Court in Fujian province

When handling cases involving minors and cyberspace, it's important to crack down on behaviors that exploit the internet to harm children. The more important thing is to form a joint force to ensure online safety. In a particular divorce case, prolonged parental conflict led to neglect, resulting in the child becoming addicted to online games. Beyond ordering the parents to address their neglect of parental duties, I coordinated with social workers, psychologists, employees of a local women's federation and the school to establish a support team, providing ongoing care and aid to the child for half a year. For judicial authorities, issuing recommendations to ensure children can be better protected is as crucial as punishing violators. This approach helps create a safer cyberspace for minors and serves their overall well-being.

Bai Yun, a judge who handles juvenile and domestic cases from Jing'an District People's Court in Shanghai