Court Rules of the People's Court of the People's Republic of China (2016 revision)

Article 1 In order to maintain the security and order of the court, ensure the normal conduct of court hearing activities, ensure that litigation participants exercise their litigation rights in accordance with the law, facilitate public observation, promote judicial fairness, and demonstrate judicial authority, according to the "People's Republic of China Relevant legal provisions such as the Organic Law of the People's Courts of the People's Republic of China, the Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China, the Civil Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China, and the Administrative Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China have been formulated. these rules. Article 2: Courts are specialized places where the people's courts try various cases in accordance with the law on behalf of the state.

The national emblem should be hung above the front of the court. Article 3: The court is divided into trial activity area and auditorium area, and the two areas are separated by railings.

Courts that hear cases involving minors should set up areas and seats based on the physical and mental development characteristics of minors.

When there are news media observing or reporting on court hearings, a special media press box can be set up in the listening area. Article 4 A criminal court may configure a synchronous video testimony room for use by witnesses, appraisers, and victims who should be protected according to law or otherwise have a real need for protection when testifying in court. Article 5: The court shall set up barrier-free facilities for persons with disabilities; it shall be equipped with collegial panel rooms, lounges for prosecutors, lawyers and other litigation participants, defendant detention rooms and other ancillary places as needed. Article 6 Persons entering the court shall present valid identity documents and undergo security inspection of their persons and belongings.

Prosecutors and lawyers carrying valid work certificates and notices to appear in court to perform their duties can enter the court through special channels. If security inspection is required, the People's Court will treat prosecutors and lawyers equally. Article 7 Except for evidence that needs to be presented in court with the permission of the People's Court, the following items are not allowed to be brought into the court:

(1) Firearms, ammunition, controlled knives and other lethal instruments;

(2) Inflammable and explosive substances, suspected explosives;

(3) Radioactive, toxic, corrosive, strong-odorous substances and infectious disease pathogens;

(4) Liquids, colloidal, and powdery items;

(5) Slogans, banners, and flyers;

(6) Other items that may endanger court safety or disrupt court order. items. Article 8 The People's Court shall disclose to the public the number, specific location, number of auditorium seats and other information of each court through its official website, electronic display screen, bulletin board, etc. Article 9: Citizens may observe public court hearings.

When the number of spectator seats cannot meet the needs, the people's court may allocate the number of spectator seats according to the order of application or through lottery, lottery, etc., but priority shall be given to close relatives of the parties or other persons with an interest in the case Listen in.

The following persons are not allowed to observe:

(1) Witnesses, experts and persons with expertise who are preparing to appear in court to give opinions;

(2) People who have not obtained Minors approved by the court;

(3) People who refuse to accept security inspections;

(4) Drunk people, mentally ill people or other people with abnormal mental states;

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(5) Other persons who may endanger the security of the court or disrupt the order of the court.

No unit or individual may organize people to observe public court hearings where criminal records may be sealed according to law.

No one is allowed to observe court hearings that are closed to the public according to law, unless otherwise provided by law. Article 10: The People's Court shall videotape or audio-record the entire court hearing. Article 11 If a court hearing is conducted publicly in accordance with the law and meets any of the following circumstances, the people's court may conduct live or recorded broadcasts of pictures, texts, audios, and videos through television, the Internet, or other public media:

(1) High public attention;

(2) Large social impact;

(3) The significance of publicity and education on the rule of law is strong. Article 12 Personnel who appear in court to perform their duties shall dress in accordance with professional dress regulations.

However, formal attire is required if one of the following circumstances occurs:

(1) There is no professional dress code;

(2) Investigators appear in court to testify;

( 3) The unit where he/she works is a party to the case.

Persons appearing in court and spectators who are not performing their duties should dress in a civilized manner. Article 13: When a criminal defendant or appellant appears in court for trial, he or she shall wear formal or casual clothing, and shall not wear the identification clothing of the regulatory agency.

The People's Court shall not use restraints on defendants or appellant during court hearings, unless they are considered to be personally dangerous and may endanger the safety of the court. Article 14 Before the start of a court hearing, the clerk shall announce the court discipline specified in Article 17 of these rules. Article 15 When judges enter the court and when the presiding judge or sole judge announces a judgment, ruling or decision, all judges shall stand up. Article 16: People's courts shall conduct court hearings in strict accordance with the litigation procedures prescribed by law.

Judges should treat all litigants equally during court hearings. Article 17 During court hearings, all personnel shall obey the command of the presiding judge or sole judge, respect judicial etiquette, abide by court discipline, and shall not engage in the following behaviors:

(1) Applause or make noise;

(2) Smoking and eating;

(3) Making or answering phone calls;

(4) Recording, videotaping, taking photos or using mobile phones to record court hearing activities Communication tools and other means to disseminate court hearing activities;

(5) Other behaviors that endanger the security of the court or disrupt the order of the court.

Prosecutors and litigation participants must obtain permission from the presiding judge or sole judge to speak or ask questions.

Audiences are not allowed to enter the trial activity area, are not allowed to stand or move around at will, and are not allowed to speak or ask questions.

Media reporters who carry out the acts specified in Item 4 of Paragraph 1 with permission shall do so within the designated time and area and shall not affect or interfere with court hearing activities.