Zhang Jun, president of the Supreme People's Court (SPC), has called on retired judges to play a positive role in mediating disputes and contribute to dispute resolution processes.

Zhang made the remarks during a symposium on Nov 22 with the second group of retired judges from local peoples courts to be appointed as mediators for the SPC's circuit courts.

Zhang Jun, president of the Supreme People's Court (SPC), meets with the second group of retired judges from local people's courts who have been appointed as special mediators for the SPC's circuit courts. [Photo/court.gov.cn]

The initiative, which began in May this year, involves hiring retired judges from local courts to serve as special mediators in the circuit courts. The first group included 15 retired judges, while the second group consists of 13 newly appointed mediators. 

Over the past six months, the first group of mediators have used their professional expertise and skills in public engagement to participate in mediating disputes and resolving litigation-related petitions, achieving significant results. 

During the meeting with the newly appointed mediators, Zhang said that expectations are high for them to return to the frontline of dispute resolution. He expressed his gratitude to the retired judges for their hard work and encouraged them to utilize their "silver strength," and excel in the prevention and substantive resolution of conflicts and disputes.

Zhang emphasized the importance of viewing cases from a political perspective, recognizing the challenges faced by the involved enterprises and individuals, and handling them appropriately according to the law. 

This approach is essential for promoting high-quality economic and social development and adhering to the people-centered development philosophy, he said. 

Zhang urged the mediators to make every effort to resolve the difficulties faced by the parties involved, ensuring that the public feels fairness and justice has been done, thereby strengthening the Party's foundation for governance.

Zhang also highlighted the need for strict and impartial judicial practices and the employment of judicial wisdom to thoroughly and effectively resolve disputes. 

Whether it takes place prior to or during litigation, mediation work should always follow legal provisions and procedural norms, and guide parties involved to protect their rights and interests according to the law, he said.

He urged the newly appointed mediators to quickly familiarize themselves with the circuit courts' case handling procedures, and continuously improve their political integrity, as well as professional skills and ethics, and maintain strict self-discipline, to contribute their wisdom and strength to the development of the judiciary.

Li Chenglin, head of the Political Department of the SPC, delivered a speech at the symposium.