The Supreme People's Court, in collaboration with China Media Group, host an event on Feb 27 to unveil the top 10 cases advancing rule of law in the new era for 2024. [Photo/court.gov.cn]

The Supreme People's Court (SPC), in collaboration with China Media Group (CMG), hosted an event on Feb 27 to unveil the top 10 cases advancing rule of law in the new era for 2024. 

Zhang Jun, president of the SPC, and Shen Haixiong, president and editor-in-chief of CMG, addressed the event.  

 Zhang Jun, president of the Supreme People's Court, attends the event and delivers a speech. [Photo/court.gov.cn]

Shen Haixiong, president and editor-in-chief of China Media Group, attends the event and delivers a speech. [Photo/court.gov.cn]

The selection process for the top 10 cases began on Dec 31. After an initial review of cases adjudicated by courts nationwide between the end of 2023 and 2024, 49 cases were shortlisted for a public online poll .  Following deliberation by an expert committee, in combination with the result of the online poll of 18.45 million votes, the final list of the top 10 cases and top 10 nominated cases was determined.

Hu Yunteng, president of the Case Law Research Association of the China Law Society, reads out the comments on the top 10 cases. 

Zhou Shanhong, a deputy to the National People's Congress, and Li Shufu, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, share their thoughts about the cases. [Photo/court.gov.cn]

The top 10 cases include those related to infringement of technological secrets about new energy vehicle chassis, the manipulation of online “water army" (the hordes of people who are paid to post comments online), intentional homicide, kidnapping and robbery, a maritime collision liability dispute resolved under Chinese law by foreign parties, and so on.

In his address, Zhang underscored the important role of exemplary cases in advancing the rule of law in China.

He emphasized that a single case can have a greater impact than a dozen official documents, as judicial decisions not only resolve individual disputes but also establish behavioral norms, convey value orientations, and contribute to legal and social progress.

He called for leveraging fair judgments to promote rule of law progress and social development. 

It is important to uphold strict and impartial justice to continuously enhance the public's sense of gain in terms of judiciary, Zhang said.

He emphasized that the judicial process is also a form of publicity on rule of law, and called for improving work mechanisms based on the practices proven effective in the exemplary cases. More efforts are needed to ensure judgments that reflect the requirements of the times, respond to the expectations of the people, help advance the rule of law, and promote social development, he added.

Zhang also underlined the need to strengthen the positive interaction between courts and the media, recognizing the selection of these cases as a mechanism for fostering judicial transparency and public engagement.  

In his address, Shen highlighted that the annual selection of the top 10 cases has evolved into a widely recognized brand for raising public awareness of rule of law, reflecting the latest achievements in China's rule of law development. It also showcases the relentless efforts and inspiring stories of judicial authorities in upholding social fairness and justice, and safeguarding people's rights and interests, he added.

Sun Xiaofang, deputy secretary-general of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends the event. Officials from the Cyberspace Administration of China, the Ministry of Justice, the China Law Society, China Media Group, and the Supreme People's Court, as well as some journalists from media outlets, are also in attendance. [Photo/court.gov.cn]

The event was also attended by Sun Xiaofang, deputy secretary-general of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.