Initiated by the central leadership in 2013, the implementation of a series of pilot programs began in July. The reforms are wide ranging, involving everything from measures to eliminate outside interference to a quota for top judges. Critics argue that the quota has drastically reduced the number of judges on the bench, while cases soar.  

90 per cent increase

Fifty judges have voluntarily left the Shanghai judicial system since January. They followed the departure of 105 judicial officers, including 86 judges, in the city last year, a rise of 90 per cent from 2013.

Hope for positive change

Some insiders believe that the changes will prove beneficial in the long run. Zhang Xiaojin, a judge at the Beijing Intellectual Property Court, said: ‘I've witnessed the achievements fostered by the reforms … which have made the conduct of cases more professional. I'll carry on, and I hope the reforms will prove positive and successful.’ Source: AsiaOne