On November 16, 2024, the 10th "Tianjin University-China Judicial Forum" convened at Tianjin University's conference hall, gathering over 120 representatives from courts, procuratorates, law firms, universities, and research institutions nationwide. Organized by the Judicial Committee of the China Behavioral Law Society and hosted by Tianjin University's Law School, this year’s forum focused on "Research on Improving a Fair Judicial System." The event served as a vibrant platform for interdisciplinary discussion, addressing critical issues in judicial reform and fostering collaboration among legal scholars and practitioners.
Zhang Junyan, Member of the Tianjin University Party Committee and Minister of the United Front Work Department, highlighted the forum’s evolution into a leading academic exchange platform within China’s legal and judicial community. Reflecting on the forum's ten-year history, Zhang praised its consistent focus on major theoretical and practical issues in advancing China’s rule of law. She emphasized Tianjin University’s commitment to aligning its academic initiatives with national development strategies, particularly as the university strives to establish itself as a world-class institution with Chinese characteristics. Zhang encouraged the Law School to deepen its contributions to high-quality talent cultivation and rigorous academic research. She underscored that a fair judicial system is not only a vital mechanism for safeguarding citizens’ rights but also a foundational pillar for maintaining social justice. By focusing on judicial system improvements, this year’s forum reinforces the university’s role in advancing the nation’s comprehensive rule-of-law strategy.
Li Wenyan, Chief Supervisor of the China Behavioral Law Society, delivered an insightful keynote speech that framed the forum's discussions in the context of China's legal and judicial development. He emphasized the importance of using Xi Jinping’s Thought on the Rule of Law as a guiding principle for advancing reforms. Li reflected on the significant progress China has made in legal modernization under this framework, urging participants to actively contribute to deepening reforms and supporting Chinese-style modernization. He further stressed the critical role of academic exchange in addressing emerging challenges, such as legal issues in artificial intelligence and big data. By offering theoretical and practical solutions to these new challenges, the forum can help shape a judicial system that meets the demands of the evolving era. Li concluded by urging meticulous research into specific judicial mechanisms, emphasizing that promoting justice and improving judicial efficiency requires a combination of strategic vision and careful attention to detail.
The opening ceremony, chaired by Sun Youhai, Vice President of the China Behavioral Law Society and Dean of Tianjin University's Law School, set the stage for a vibrant exchange of ideas. Sun announced the winners of the forum’s essay competition, which attracted over 400 submissions from scholars nationwide. A total of five first prizes, 23 second prizes, and 30 third prizes were awarded, along with several honorable mentions. The awards ceremony was presided over by Yang Jian, Associate Dean of the Law School, with prominent figures such as Zhang Junyan, Li Wenyan, and Sun Youhai presenting the honors.
The forum unfolded across two academic sessions, each featuring thought-provoking discussions and in-depth analyses. The first session, titled “Modernizing Trial Capabilities and Judicial System Reform,” delved into strategies for improving trial processes. Jiang Bixin, Deputy Director of the Constitution and Law Committee of the 13th National People’s Congress, and former Deputy Secretary of the Supreme People’s Court, shared his perspectives on enhancing trial capabilities through modernization. Sun Youhai called for a systematic approach to resolving challenges such as the “difficulty in filing cases” and highlighted the need for comprehensive improvements in court performance assessment mechanisms. Wang Xiaodong, Vice President of the Chinese Society of Criminology and Central South University professor, emphasized the importance of creating a fair, efficient, and authoritative judicial system. Additional contributions from scholars such as Cui Yongdong from Shandong University and Li Guifang from Beijing DHH Law Firm stressed the core value of justice within judicial processes. Wang Xiumei, a professor from Beijing Normal University, underscored the necessity of strengthening foreign-related trial capabilities to meet the demands of China’s growing role in international affairs.
The second session, titled “Reforming Trial and Enforcement Systems for Judicial Modernization,” addressed broader issues of reform and modernization. Feng Xiaoguang, former member of the Procuratorial Committee of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate, advocated for deepening reforms to separate trial and enforcement powers, ensuring checks and balances within the judicial system. Contributions from scholars such as Xie Hui from Guangzhou University and Che Chengjun from Tianjin University explored the intersection of judicial reform and notarization processes, while Yang Kai from East China University of Political Science and Law discussed the modernization of case registration systems. Hao Lei from Tianjin Normal University examined the challenges posed by corporate litigation in the AI era, providing insights into how judicial systems can adapt to technological advancements. Discussions also included proposals for categorizing online cases, as presented by Fan Mingzhi from China University of Political Science and Law, and strategies for reforming trial management systems to enhance efficiency and fairness.
Throughout the forum, participants reaffirmed the importance of maintaining justice as the central value of judicial reform. The diverse perspectives shared during the sessions reflected the forum’s commitment to addressing contemporary legal challenges while fostering a robust theoretical foundation for future reforms. As a decade-long tradition, the Tianjin University-China Judicial Forum continues to play an integral role in promoting academic exchange, advancing the rule of law, and shaping the future of China’s judicial system. By focusing on innovation and collaboration, the forum remains a cornerstone for driving progress in legal scholarship and judicial practice in the country.
By: Zou Yingying
Editor: Qin Mian
