The Supreme People’s Court (SPC) has released a first batch of exemplary cases showcasing the application of sample pleadings across courts nationwide. The move aims to promote effective practices and local experiences in this regard.

Since their introduction in March last year, courts at all levels have actively promoted the use of sample pleadings through various means, including organizing training sessions with judicial administrative organs, local lawyers associations and experts, providing both online and offline access, and exploring AI-powered drafting tools.

Designed for 11 common types of civil cases, including disputes over financial loans and private lending, and labor disputes, these sample pleadings help parties present claims more clearly and accurately, and have been well received by litigants and lawyers. 

There has been a steady rise in the application rate of sample pleadings at courts nationwide since the start of the year, with a 10-percent monthly increase. More than half of the regions are experiencing application rates of over 50 percent for cases involving credit card disputes and financial loan contract disputes, with some areas even reaching a 100-percent application rate for specific case types.

The newly released five exemplary cases underscore the practical value of sample pleadings in streamlining litigation safeguarding litigants’ rights, and enhancing dispute resolution efficiency.

In particular, the Fengtai Primary People’s Court in Beijing guided legal representatives to use sample pleadings to clearly state facts and claims, resulting in efficient filing of financial dispute cases at the court. The Shuimogou Primary People’s Court in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region applied these samples while handling divorce cases to help parties articulate their concerns, leading to more substantive and empathetic resolutions. 

The Yiyuan Primary People’s Court in Shandong province offered one-on-one assistance to litigants making oral claims, using the samples to identify dispute focuses in traffic cases and expedite mediation and compensation.

The Yuhua Primary People’s Court in Changsha, Hunan province, has integrated use of sample pleadings with structured adjudication in labor dispute cases, easing litigation burdens for both workers and employers. At the Qingshan Primary People’s Court in Baotou, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, sample pleadings were used in handling property service disputes alongside a mechanism combining structured response tools and rectification checklists, thereby improving service quality and addressing recurring issues at the source.

According to the SPC, the application of sample pleadings has improved the clarity and efficiency of legal submissions, while significantly shortened case processing periods. Moving forward, the SPC plans to expand their use and enhance their accessibility through continued innovation, further protecting litigants’ rights and improving judicial efficiency.