The Dream Factory of China

The sole-judge trial system and online litigation service are two measures for Shenzhen Qianhai Cooperation Zone People’s Court’s reform of civil procedures during the COVID-19 prevention period to improve the business environment of the area and provide judicial guarantees for the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the pilot demonstration zone of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

According to the requirements made by the Supreme People’s Court, the Qianhai court has expanded the range of application of the sole-judge trial system, so as to minimize the gathering of people, reduce the risk of the epidemic infection and better allocate judicial resources.

From Feb. 3 to Feb. 23, the Qianhai court adopted the sole-judge system in the trial of 93 cases under ordinary procedures, accounting for more than half of all cases of the same type.

The online trial system has also provided litigants with convenience.

In a sales contract dispute, the plaintiff surnamed Yang was put into isolation due to his travel history to Wuhan, the hardest-hit area by the COVID-19 outbreak.

After consulting the opinions of both parties, the Qianhai court heard the case online on Feb. 12, ensuring that the lawful rights and interests of the parties are protected in a timely and effective manner during the outbreak period.

In order to further promote the online litigation service, the Qianhai court has issued a policy that stipulates detailed matters regarding electronic case material delivery, case filing, mediation, evidence exchange, pre-trial meetings and online trials.

From Feb. 3 to Feb. 23, a total of 96 cases were heard online, accounting for 78.69 percent of the total number of court cases; 1,073 cases were filed online, accounting for 98.35 percent of the total; 921 online mediations were conducted; 442 pieces of electronic material were delivered, and 279 cases relating to sealing and freezing were handled online. The electronic litigation service has begun to bear fruit.