New Developments in the Reform of China ’ s Judicial Procedures

Specific measures that have been adopted to promote greater transparency and fairness in the trial process include improving the ability of litigants to test evidence; requiring greater explanation of judgments from the bench; greater use of technology to increase public access to decisions made by the judiciary; reducing the cost of litigation; provision of legal assistance for parties whom are unable to fund litigation; and publishing rules in relation to procedural matters for taking a matter to court. In civil disputes mediation is actively pursued and is proving beneficial in relation to family law matters. New case handling measures are also being pursued at the local village level with administrative disputes being managed by local committees.