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China on the move: A judge's new concept

2009-09-16 13:28 BJT

Special Report: 60th Anniversary of PRC |

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Judges are usually seen as solemn and relentless people. But today's judges, especially those working at the grassroots level, tend to be more amiable, especially as mediation is becoming an important means to deal with civil cases. Being a mediation judge for ten years, Chen Liaomin represents this new type of judge. CCTV reporter Xu Zhaoqun tells us more about Chen's story.

Dealing with more than a thousand cases a year makes Chen Liaomin one of the busiest judges of Xihu People's Court in Hangzhou City. The first case she has this morning is about compensation for the victim of a traffic accident.

No agreement is reached after an hour debate. Chen halts her mediation and leaves both parties to think it over quietly.

Chen Liaomin said, "People involved in lawsuits usually have lots of complaints. The complaints can't disappear if they just have a piece of paper as the final judgment. While providing a solution, I am also trying to reconcile both sides."

But, it's easier said than done. Chen has to deal with at least four or five cases a day, with numerous quarreling around her.

During the intermission of the first case, Chen begins to deal with another one, and the people of the third case are already waiting for her.

Finally, the traffic accident case is done after the insurance company agrees to provide more compensation.