Top court puts juvenile protection on high priority

China's top court has announced plans to intensify judicial efforts to address public concerns and optimize the business environment, with measures highlighted in a five-year judicial reform outline released Thursday.

The Supreme People's Court outlined strategies aimed at protecting children, enhancing economic development and improving judicial efficiency as part of the comprehensive reform plan.

Mao Zhonghua, vice-president of the top court, said the 45-article outline prioritizes improving child-related case handling procedures, including preventive measures against juvenile crime and support for minor offenders' rehabilitation.

"Courts nationwide will strengthen coordination with families, schools, government agencies, internet platforms and social organizations to provide more comprehensive protection for children," Mao said.

In the economic sphere, Mao called on courts to maintain legal and equitable protections for market entities, pledging greater judicial support for building a business environment governed by the rule of law.

Si Yanli, deputy head of the court's research office, stressed the importance of ensuring fair treatment in resolving disputes. "Every court should enhance the sense of personal and property safety for entrepreneurs so that they can focus on their businesses," she said.

The outline includes plans to update judicial interpretations on monopolies and unfair competition while exploring the establishment of a personal bankruptcy system.

To improve efficiency and human rights protections, the reform calls for streamlined procedures in handling criminal, civil and administrative cases. One proposed change is the creation of a system for sealing minor criminal records, a response to public concerns about the long-term impact of minor offenses on employment and education opportunities.

Mao said sealing such records would help protect individual rights while maintaining public safety.

"Implementing these reforms not only supports high-quality socioeconomic development and modern governance but also enhances public satisfaction with the judicial system," he said.

The plan also emphasizes increasing judicial transparency and leveraging technology to make legal services more accessible.