Chinese courts told to better handle petitions

Chinese courts have been told to improve the way local petitions are handled, with superior courts being given the power to warn subordinates that fail to solve conflicts efficiently.

In a document on managing and enforcing petitions released on Thursday by the Supreme People's Court (SPC), courts were told to monitor lower-level courts through inspections and appoint personnel, possibly senior court officials, to track the progress of key cases.

"Superior courts should summon the principals of lower courts that fail to handle petitions competently, warn them and ensure they set things right," said the document.

According to the SPC, those who have the wherewithal to obey court rulings must be made to do so "by all means and as soon as possible." Those who are unable to pay any compensation award must "offer a clear explanation and reach a satisfactory agreement to end the petition."

The statement stressed that even if a case ends with a defendant unable to pay, courts should check their financial status on a regular basis to see if any changes enable them to carry out the court's ruling.

Courts at all levels were told to open reception windows for petitioners, publicize the mailing address for petitions, explore ways of receiving petitions online and make the process and results of cases available to the public. Endi