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Lawmakers call for bigger role for jurors

Xinhua, April 21, 2015 Adjust font size:

Chinese lawmakers on Tuesday called for a bigger role for jurors in trials.

The ongoing bi-monthly session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress reviewed a plan for the people's jury system, submitted by the Supreme People's Court for authorization as some policies go against existing laws.

In pilot regions, the selection mechanism for jurors will change from personal application and organizational recommendation to random selection of qualified local people.

Some lawmakers suggested that jurors be chosen based on their profession. Dong Zhongyuan said ordinary civil cases or simple criminal cases can use jurors qualified in age and with no criminal record. However, in complicated commercial, administrative and criminal cases, jurors should have appropriate professional backgrounds.

Li Lu said random selection would expand jurors' diversity, but their usefulness in specific cases should be considered. He suggested that courts consider candidates' professions, industry and social influence.

Wu Xiaoling called for guaranteed funds for the jury system, suggesting that jurors should be compensated for their absence from work and travelling expenses. The bill states that employers cannot fire jurors or cut their wages based on their commitment to the court. Wu said juror leave will lead to losses for employers who should be compensated.

Wan E'xiang, vice chairman of the standing committee and a prestigious jurist, suggested a system to ensure jurors are unconnected with parties involved in cases. He also questioned the immunity mechanism for jurors that allows them to express any opinion with impunity while judges are prudent and held accountable for their judgments.

Another reform allows jurors to express opinion only in determination of facts. Currently, jurors can comment on the law.

The bill suggests increasing the minimum age for jurors from 23 to 28 and lowering the education requirement from junior college to senior high school.

Lawmakers will vote on the bill on Friday. Endi