6. Death Penalty System Reform in China

Abstract

The Organic Law of the Peoples Republic of China was adopted at the 24th session of the tenth Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress on January 1, 2007, giving the Supreme Peoples Court unilateral power to review death penalty cases. This was a historically significant event in criminal justice development in China, influencing Chinas criminal trial system and rule of law. On October 26, 2005, the Supreme Peoples Court issued the Outline for the Second Five-year Reform of the Peoples Courts, which definitively prescribed in accordance with the provisions of the Criminal Law, the Criminal Procedure Law, and the Organic Law of the Peoples Republic of China, the power to review death penalty cases will be unilaterally exercised by the Supreme Peoples Court for the purpose of strictly implementing laws, prudently utilizing the death penalty, ensuring fair and quality trials, safeguarding social stability, and promoting social harmony. Keywords: China; criminal law; criminal procedure law; death penalty review system; Supreme People's Court