Wandering Between Tradition and Modernity -- The Revisions of China's Criminal Procedure Law

Author: Long Zongzhi, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-10
Features: China's criminal procedure system has made significant progress, but both in its basic framework and specific procedures, it still requires continuous reform and improvement. Given the transitional nature of the current laws, it is necessary to revise the current Criminal Procedure Law in a timely manner to adapt to the needs of institutional integration, promote judicial reform, and facilitate opening-up. Based on the realities and conditions, such revisions should aim for major reforms in the long term, with medium-term modifications within the constitutional framework in the near term. The current revisions include establishing the principle of innocent until proven guilty, reforming coercive measures, strengthening the role of lawyers, improving the evidence system, and enhancing safeguards for legal enforcement. When revising the law, four principles should be adhered to: balancing interests, consolidating reform achievements, coordinating procedural mechanisms, and achieving breakthroughs in key areas.