Supreme People's Court (SPC) President Zhou Qiang inspected Sichuan province from Dec 11 to 14, affirming the judicial achievements of local courts and stressing judicial protections to support economic growth.

Zhou first visited the intermediate court at Liangshan Yi autonomous prefecture. The court has supported the brand building of local agricultural products and handled a series of patent-related disputes. Measures such as bankruptcy,reconstruction of private enterprises and mediation were also frequently used.

Later at the grass-root courts in Mianning county and Julong district, Zhou learned their special judicial measures which invite "Degu" to help with the mediation.

"Degu" is someone who is informed about and often invited to deal with family disputes among the Yi ethnic group people. Their involvement makes the Yi people parties more comfortable with the result.

An important resource-based city for manufacturing, Panzhihua is also a significant ecological shelter zone at the upper reaches of the Yangtze River regions. Courts in the city focus on environmental resource-related trials and supportthe industrial transformation and upgrading of the city.

After the inspection at the Intermediate People's Court in Panzhihua, the East District People's Court and the Miyi People's Court, Zhou praised the courts' judicial services and encouraged judicial staffs to continue to be devoted to serving the people.

Courts in Chengdu had established a module of "Internet plus justice" and an online mediation platform to handle cases through alternative disputes resolution.

Zhou said Chengdu's courts have set models in adopting modern and innovative technology in judicial assistance and trials.

In addition to the affirmation of Sichuan's courts' judicial performances, Zhou mentioned that courts must protect the legitimate interests of all types of ownership subjects and private economic growth and strengthen protection of property rights in accordance with the law.

Strengthening judicial work on intellectual property rights and environmental resources and creating a sound legal environment for economic growth is an important component.

Campaigns to crack down on gang-related criminals to maintain a stable and harmonious society was also mentioned during Zhou's inspection.

Zhou required courts to deepen judicial reform and implement accountability to improve trial efficiency through the construction of the Internet courts and the development and adoption of artificial intelligence.

SPC President Zhou Qiang (R5) inspects the Intellectual Property Rights Tribunal in Chengdu, Sichuan province. [Photo/court.gov.cn]