ADEQUATE OR NOT? JUDICIAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORMS IN CHINA

Abstract

From 2014 to 2015, the shortcomings of the Chinese justice system were once again made clear with the identification of thirteen serious wrongful convictions.[1] In some cases in question, innocent people were executed. The Ministry of Public Security (MPS), the Supreme People’s Court (SPC) and Procuratorate (SPP) have responded to these cases by introducing specific measures to deepen reforms to the justice system, including and not limited to life-long responsibility. [2] Does introduction of this new system as a part of official responses adequately ensure that justice can be done by mending the fundamental flaws that led to wrongful convictions? In order to answer this question, it is necessary to examine what occurred in each of typical cases.