China’s first circuit court opens in Shenzhen to crowds of hopefuls

People travelled from across the mainland to the nation's first circuit court in Shenzhen as it opened its doors this week, hoping their cases would be heard, although some lawyers fear it will amount to nothing more than a petition office.

The court's six judges began hearing cases on Monday, local media reported. More than 300 plaintiff hopefuls had arrived by the morning. Judges heard 72 cases but rejected 80 per cent of them because they fell outside the court's purview, the Southern Metropolis News reported.

More thronged the court yesterday but were told they would have to wait until tomorrow to see the judges because of the long waiting list.

The First Circuit Court of China's Supreme People's Court is aimed at promoting judicial independence and reducing interference by local party officials, according to top judicial authorities. It will handle major administrative and civil cases for the provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan , and act as the region's final appellate court, with the same power of final adjudication as the supreme court.

Many people came to petition or make allegations about corrupt officials and some were residents from outside the region, the News quoted Hua Wei, one of the judges, as saying. The court would not handle such demands, Hua said.

Some residents who had lost their lawsuits at local courts told the South China Moring Post they saw the circuit court as their last chance for justice.