On March 18, the Supreme People’s Court (SPC) convened a symposium in Beijing with presidents of 51 relatively weak primary courts, who were attending a training program at the National Judges College. Zhang Jun, president of the SPC, engaged in discussions with the presidents.

Over the past two years, coordinated efforts across China’s four-level court system have yielded notable progress in enhancing capacity of primary courts. Of the 184 courts previously deemed as relatively weak in overall judicial performance, 168 have improved their capacity and performance and been removed from the list. 

The Supreme People’s Court (SPC) convenes a symposium in Beijing with presidents of 51 relatively under-resourced primary courts, who are attending a training program at the National Judges College, on March 18. Zhang Jun, president of the SPC, engages in discussions with the presidents. [Photo/court.gov.cn]

At the beginning of this year, in line with the principle of “one-out, one-in”, another 84 courts were added to the list. Together with the 16 courts that remain on the list, the third group of relatively weak courts now totals 100. 

Twelve presidents of relatively under-resourced primary courts engage in discussions. [Photo/court.gov.cn]

Participants at the symposium approached the initiative to enhance capacity as both a challenge and an opportunity, sharing practical experience and discussing solutions to persistent issues with the SPC president, and jointly exploring concrete steps to reinforce the foundations of judicial work.

During the symposium, the presidents exchanged candid views on challenges and innovations in judicial practice. Some highlighted efforts to engage retired judges — both locally and through support from higher-level courts — to strengthen pre-litigation dispute resolution. Others emphasized the use of exemplary cases to guide judicial thinking and improve consistency in adjudication. Measures to enhance responsibility and motivation among court personnel were also discussed, including performance-based management. Participants also noted that, despite advances in digitalization, circuit tribunals and on-site hearings remain essential for maintaining close ties with the people.

Participants also noted that while efforts have been made to integrate institutional priorities with adjudication work, there is still a lack of effective mechanisms for achieving this. They highlighted the lecture they attended during the training, which suggested that such integration should be reflected in day-to-day judicial practice. Even when discussions focus on case handling, the underlying principles guiding how and why cases are handled well reflect broader institutional priorities, they said. True integration, therefore, lies in aligning professional work with these principles, and in linking institutional learning closely with practical challenges in adjudication, they added.

Others pointed out a lack of motivation among some court personnel. It was emphasized that boosting morale cannot rely on rhetoric alone, but should be achieved by setting transparent standards in personnel selection and promotion. 

Concerns were also raised about the tendency to prioritize case closure over case-handling quality. This, participants noted, reflects a misunderstanding of performance evaluation. The key question is whether courts focus solely on concluding cases, or on achieving substantive dispute resolution and delivering outcomes that are both fair and effective, they noted. A sound approach to performance assessment requires prioritizing quality, balancing efficiency, and ensuring that judicial outcomes substantively address disputes and meet public expectations, they said.

Participants also called for strengthened judicial training. As rapid socio-economic development places higher demands on judges’ competence, training has become more important than ever, while its content and methods have undergone profound changes. Resources such as case databases, online Q&A platforms, online training systems, mini programs, and standardized teaching materials provide valuable support. Training should become more focused and practice-oriented, shifting from broad coverage to targeted learning, and from offline lectures to a combination of online learning and in-person exchanges, they suggested. Ultimately, the goal is to foster a transition from passive to self-motivated learning, they noted.

Zhang Jun conducts an on-site Q&A session. [Photo/court.gov.cn]

In response to the remarks and exchanges, Zhang acknowledged the progress made and the positive momentum demonstrated by these courts. Based on the discussions, he outlined three key priorities for further strengthening relatively weak primary courts.

First, court presidents should play a leading role in the process. They should demonstrate faith, integrity and responsibility, effectively coordinating institutional development and motivating all personnel to improve performance.

Second, courts should establish and uphold a sound approach to performance evaluation. This includes focusing on delivering substantive justice, resolving disputes effectively, and ensuring that the public experiences fairness and justice in every case. Measures such as strengthening adjudication supervision, promoting consistent application of law, and enhancing the use of guiding cases are essential in this regard. 

Third, sustained efforts must be made to ensure effective implementation of judicial rules. Courts should improve adjudication management in line with judicial principles, regulate the exercise of judicial power, and enhance efficiency and quality through better governance. Judicial resources, such as case databases and training platforms, should be put to better use to improve consistency and professional competence. Strict compliance with judicial discipline and integrity rules must also be maintained to build a strong and capable judicial workforce.

Fifty-one presidents of relatively under-resourced primary courts, who are attending training at the National Judges College, participate in the symposium. [Photo/court.gov.cn]

The symposium was chaired by Sun Zhenping, director of the Political Department of the SPC. Officials from relevant SPC departments also attended.