Restorative Justice Practices in Yunnan Province, China
Cu Pong | Philip B. Magtaan
Discipline: Law
Abstract:
This study mainly focuses on the indepth discussion of restorative justice practices in
Yunnan Province, China, with a particular emphasis
on implementation, challenges, and implications.
This study used descriptive research methods to
interview 450 individuals from various judicial
departments in Yunnan Province, China. The research
results indicate that in the implementation of
restorative justice in Yunnan Province, the legal
framework, organizational capacity, and feedback
mechanism have been recognized to a certain extent,
but the feedback mechanism still needs further
strengthening. In terms of challenges, the current
Criminal Procedure Law has procedural issues such
as unclear legal provisions, insufficient practice in
economic and environmental crimes, single
restorative measures, and a lack of effective
community supervision mechanisms. In terms of the
Implications of restorative justice practices,
restorative justice has positive effects on cultural
aspects (promoting cross-border ethnic harmony),
economic production development (reducing various
dispute losses), and political and governance systems
(playing a role in resolving grassroots conflicts). Age
significantly influences the legal framework and
organizational efficiency in implementing restorative
justice, yet participation rates remain consistent
across different work units and types, showing little to
no notable fluctuation. Implementing the strategies,
facing challenges, and observing impacts are closely
linked, showing a strong positive correlation. This
study proposes a series of targeted improvement
measures, including improving the legal framework,
strengthening organizational capacity building,
optimizing feedback mechanisms, addressing
procedural challenges, resolving political challenges,
strengthening social participation, and deepening
positive influence. The fundamental purpose is to
promote the practical development of restorative
justice in Yunnan Province.
References:
- Liu J. (2021). Restorative environmental justice. Master's thesis, Sichuan University). https://doi.org/10.27342/d.cnki.gscdu
- [2] Zhang L. (2020). Application and improvement of restorative justice in the crime of indiscriminate logging. Master's thesis, Central South University of Economics and Law. https://kns.cnki.net/KCMS/detail/detail.aspx?dbname=CMFD202202&filename=1020964534.nh
- [3] Liao B. (2022). The application of restorative justice concept in sentencing negotiation. Journal of Southwest University for Nationalities Humanities and Social Sciences Edition (03), 65-72.
- [4] Godwin, G. (2023). Restorative justice. https://law.asia/restorative-justice-china/
- [5] Lui, W.C.Y. (2021). Comparing the Implementation of Restorative Justice in the Inquisitorial System of China with the Adversarial Tradition in Hong Kong. In: Gavrielides, T. (eds) Comparative Restorative Justice. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-74874-6_9
- [6] Jiang, J., Chen, Z. Victim Welfare, Social Harmony, and State Interests: Implementing Restorative Justice in Chinese Environmental Criminal Justice. Asian J Criminol 18, 171–188 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11417-022-09376-5
- [7] Zhang, Y., & Xia, Y. (2021). Can restorative justice reduce incarceration? A story from China. Justice Quarterly, 38(7), 1471–1491. https://doi.org/10.1080/07418825.2021.1950814
- [8] Salm, J., Da Silva Neto, N., & Pamplona, J. (2021). Restorative justice: a substantive, intergenerational and ecological approach in the Amazon Region of Brazil. Contemporary Justice Review, 24(2), 245–261. https://doi.org/10.1080/10282580.2021.1910813
- [9] Zhang, Y., & Xia, Y. (2021b). Can restorative justice reduce incarceration? A story from China. Justice Quarterly, 38(7), 1471–1491. https://doi.org/10.1080/07418825.2021.1950814
- [10] Jones, A. (2024). The Heart of Facilitation in Restorative Justice. https://www.learningforjustice.org/magazine/fall-2024/the-heart-of-facilitation-in-restorative-justice
- [11] Taylor, T. O., & Bailey, T. M. (2021). The Restorative Justice Attitudes Scale: Development and Initial Psychometric Evaluation. The Counseling Psychologist, 50(1), 6–39. https://doi.org/10.1177/00110000211044485
- [12] Zhou, Z., & Wong, W. (2021). Young children’s understanding of restorative justice. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.715279
- [13] Stewart, R., & Ezell, J. M. (2022). Understanding Perceptions, Barriers, and Opportunities around Restorative Justice in Urban High Schools. Urban Education, 59(9), 2619–2648. https://doi.org/10.1177/00420859221119110
- [14] Xiao S. (2022). To promote social harmony and stability with restorative justice [N]. Procuratorial Daily, 2022-05-24 (003).
- [15] Tom B, & Huang Y. (2021). Punitive Recovery and Restorative Justice. Journal of Henan Police College, (03), 46-58. https://doi.org/10.16231/j.cnki.jh pc.2021.03.008.
- [16] Wen L. (2022). The "hexagon" judicial shield guards the biodiversity [N]. Rule of Law Daily, 2022-03-November (008).
ISSN 3028-2632 (Online)
ISSN 2782-8557 (Print)