As the leader of the judicial reform, the Shanghai courts have introduced numerous innovation measures since the 18th CPC National Congress. How can we implement the major reforms and plans established at the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee in this new era? What proactive role can we take in the judicial function to develop a leading position for reform and opening up through high-quality judicial work? How can we maintain the spirit of reform and innovation while further enhancing the quality and efficiency of judicial trials? How can courts in economically developed regions address their shortcomings, identify gaps, and continuously improve their work? With these questions in mind, from October 9 to 11, Zhang Jun, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and President of the Supreme People's Court, led a research team to study the Shanghai courts.

The Shanghai 1690 Party and Mass Service Center is located near a super-large community and often requires legal professional support to address the concerns of the public. The Putuo District People's Court has proactively proposed early warnings and recommendations to the Center for resolving conflicts and disputes at their source, in conjunction with case trials. They have organized guidelines for addressing common community issues, such as clearing clutter from stairwells and managing "zombie cars." The court has also conducted demonstration hearings, publicized the rule of law, and guided mediation efforts to ensure that conflicts and disputes do not leave the grid or buildings. This year, the Putuo District People's Court saw an 85% decrease in property disputes compared to peak periods, with a significant increase in resident satisfaction. Zhang Jun emphasized that resolving conflicts and disputes as early as possible and as much as possible, which will bring more benefits to the people and promote economic and social development. The People's Court should put into practice General Secretary Xi Jinping's proposal of "focusing on the early phase and preventing the occurrence of problems." Under the leadership of Party committees at all levels, form joint efforts with relevant parties to try to put an end to contradictions and disputes and eliminate them from invisibility.

Protecting minors is essential for safeguarding the future of the nation. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Juvenile Justice Court. The research team visited the Changning District People's Court of Shanghai, where juvenile justice originated, to learn about its development over the years. "Everything for children, for everything of children," "Responsible for the children, the family, and society, aiming to help children recognize their mistakes and return to the right path," and “Minors have limited expression ability and insufficient awareness of defending their rights. Judges should give special care and attention to cases involving minors”...Zhang Jun pointed out that the CPC Central Committee, led by Comrade Xi Jinping, always pays great attention to the healthy growth of minors. The People's Court must implement the important directive spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping, make greater efforts to prevent crimes committed by minors and protect their rights and interests, and use judicial protection to facilitate the formation of the six major protection synergies to create a conducive environment for their development.

Previously recognized as "advanced units," the Huangpu District People's Court and the Putuo District People's Court were surprised to be identified as part of the first batch of relatively weak grassroots courts. "We didn’t realize how we compared until now; while we felt fine in our vertical assessment, we found our trial quality and efficiency lacking compared to excellent courts," they noted. The Party Leadership Groups in both courts reflected deeply on this assessment, analyzed problems, sought conclusions, and united their thinking, calling on everyone to understand the weakness and try to be strong. With support from the Municipal Committee leaders and higher courts, they have taken decisive steps to strengthen their foundation. It is required to search cases through "one network and one library" before discussing at the professional judges' meeting and reporting to the adjudication committee, so as to enhance the judges' consciousness of using the Dada Network and the case library of the People's Court of China, and improve their ability to accurately understand and apply the law. Letters and visits will be taken as a "top project," and major cases will be fully in the charge of the leaders of the court. After more than nine months of effort, the political foundations of the two courts have strengthened, trial quality and efficiency have improved, and the appearance of the workforce has gradually enhanced.

 "In economically and socially developed areas, trial quality and efficiency should improve to serve broader goals, as the responsibility for delivering justice to the people is greater and expectations are higher." Zhang Jun pointed out that the weak courts in the economically developed areas were well established in the past and should now catch up. Efforts should focus on strengthening leadership and team building, embodying the key role of the "key minorities," intensify the spirit of setting an example and braving difficulties, put the Party's absolute leadership into practice, integrate Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law into every action. Strict oversight combined with ongoing education on Party discipline will ensure that the courts maintain high standards. Attention must be given to management and quality improvement, ensuring that justice aligns with judicial laws. Indicators like "dispute-to-case ratio" and "appeal rate" will reflect public access to and satisfaction with justice. Data meetings will be used to identify weaknesses and underlying causes, enabling solid improvements. We should focus on the early phase and prevent the occurrence of problems, adhere to and develop the “Fengqiao Experience” of the new era, resolutely implement the requirements of filing cases for registration, closely rely on the leadership of the Party to promote the resolution of disputes at their source, improve social governance at the grassroots level and lay the foundations for the Party’s governance.

“Thank you very much for the professional and dedicated work of the court, each communication is very patient, careful, let me feel the professional skills of all in the performance of duties,” “It is recommended to strengthen coordination between court and college, strengthen the cooperation between college and court system in the study of trial theory and talent training,” and “We hope to increase the fight against money-laundering crime, Black Market”, “It is recommended that relevant parties work together to cure the ‘fandom culture’ and other bad behaviors” in the sports field”…At the seminar held by the Shanghai Higher People's Court, deputies of the National People’s Congress Jin Li, Jin Penghui, and Sheng Hong, along with Wang Liqin, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, shared their insights and suggestions on the work of the court in combination with the performance of duties and research. Jia Yu, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and President of the Shanghai High People’s Court, introduced the work of Shanghai courts in recent years, highlighting existing challenges, shortcomings, and future plans. Zhu Zhongming, Deputy Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Committee and Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission, outlined expectations for the courts. Zhang Jun responded to the deputies' suggestions, discussing ideas and measures for improving court operations.

  "In recent years, the Shanghai courts have achieved remarkable results under the strong leadership of the Municipal Committee, oversight from the People’s Congress, and support from the government. Our cadres and police officers are full of entrepreneurial spirit." He acknowledged the valuable suggestions offered during the seminar as motivating and challenging, emphasizing that they raise the bar for Shanghai courts in promoting high-quality trial work, which must be addressed concretely. Zhang Jun reiterated that the Shanghai courts have a tradition of reform and innovation, establishing a foundation for high-quality development. They are at the forefront of reform and opening up, and should lead in reform and judicial work across the country. We should earnestly “take a political view and handle matters according to the rule of law.” We should always follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, set an example for courts around the country in studying and applying Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law, and set an example for courts around the country in trial execution, trial management and team building, with higher standards and stricter requirements for directing our efforts. We should give full play to our unique economic and talent advantages, not satisfy ourselves with entering a reasonable range, not stop at closing the case, not stop at doing a good job in the case at hand, but with an eye to the overall situation, think about how to break through the difficulties, how to demonstrate leadership, be brave in being the vanguard and make greater contributions to judicial work nationwide.

The research team also visited the frontline cadres and police officers, and held discussions with mediators, legal practitioners, and parties through face-to-face interactions and field visits.

During the research, Zhang Jun held discussions with Chen Jining, Secretary of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee. Zhu Zhongming, the Deputy Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Committee and the Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission, and Jia Yu, the Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and President of the Shanghai High People’s Court, participated in the research efforts.