Chinese judges told 'cook your own meals at work' to avoid banquet bribes
Culinary know-how should be 'a must' in judges' work evaluation, says Henan justice chief
Impartiality, efficiency and intelligence are all required of a competent judge, but according to one court chief from Henan, good culinary abilities should also be on the list.
The ability to prepare good food will not only increase productivity, but preclude court officials from being wined and dined by individuals who have a conflict of interest in court cases, according to Zhang Liyong, chief of the Henan Higher People’s Court.
“A chief judge of the court must learn to cook some dishes. This should be embedded in the [performance] evaluation system,” Zhang was quoted as saying during an inspection of county courts in Henan.
A chief judge of the court must learn to cook some dishes. This should be embedded in the [performance] evaluation system
“If people involved in the case are buying [the meal], chances are that judges will go to the lunch. It has to do with the image of the court and the [potential for] corruption,” Zhang said.
Zhang said lunches were also important in ensuring good performance in the afternoon as they give energy. Otherwise, “staff will not stick to their posts”, he said.
His comments, which seemed to suggest chief judges should be able to cook for themselves and court staff in between their heavy workloads, became a hot topic on the mainland blogosphere.
“What kind of requirement is that?” some internet users said.
One blogger remarked sarcastically: “I recommend the judges learn to cook and get a certificate first before applying for the job.”