China's top legislature on Monday began to deliberate a bill on fast track trials for minor criminal offenses.
Cases could be put on the fast track when facts are clear, the evidence is sufficient, the law is not contested, the defendant pleads guilty and sentence will be no more than one year or a fine.
The bill will be piloted for two years.
The fast track means that the duration for settling cases will be cut as court investigation and debate may be waived, said Chief Justice Zhou Qiang as he explained the bill to legislators.
"Before the judgment is pronounced, however, the final statement of the defendant shall be heard," Zhou said.
Detention centers should offer legal advice upon request to ensure the rights of suspects and defendants. Courts must ensure that defendants plead voluntarily and understand the legal consequences of the fast track policy.
While ensuring the defendants' right an open trial, Zhou said trials could be not opened to the public merely on defendants' request but the decision should be based on sound reasons such as protection of privacy and security.
The simplified procedure will be tested in 18 cities including Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai and Tianjin, among others, where cases are piling up at courts and the diversity of cases will help decide the efficacy of the experiment.
China is in a economic and social transition and high incidence of criminal offenses have been reported, according to the Chief Justice.
"A fast track will punish criminals and free the innocent in a timely manner, optimize use of judicial resources, and solve the problem of judicial manpower shortage," Zhou said.
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