On May 31, the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) released the White Paper on Juvenile Procuratorial Work 2023, showcasing the progress and achievements procuratorates across the nation have made in juvenile prosecution work over the past year.
The white paper highlights the procuratorates' commitment to a "zero-tolerance" approach towards crimes against minors, emphasizing the prosecution and prevention of juvenile crimes, and enhancing comprehensive judicial protection of minors.
The document reveals distinct characteristics of juvenile prosecution work in 2023 in three areas.
First, focusing on high-quality and efficient case handling. It demonstrates the efforts procuratorates across the country have made in ensuring that the people enjoy a sense of fairness and justice in every juvenile-related case.
Second, adhering to judicial law concerning minors. Bearing in mind the concept that "prevention is protection and punishment is about redemption" and the principle of the best interests of minors, procuratorates have been working to establish a graded intervention mechanism for juvenile offenders, collaborated with relevant departments to develop judicial interpretations and case handling regulations for such offenses as sexual abuse, and promoted the governance of new business forms, such as e-sports hotels and murder mystery games, through such means as procuratorial suggestions and public interest litigation.
Third, coordinating six major protections of minors by families, schools, internet, society, governments, and judiciary.
The white paper also highlights procuratorates' stance of being leniency without indulgence for juvenile offenders. They implement disciplinary and educational measures based on the nature of minors' crimes, the degree of subjective malice and harmful consequences.
Minors with severe criminal behavior and purposeful malice are prosecuted and punished in accordance with the law, without leniency, it said.
Additionally, the procuratorates have been actively exploring the development of a graded intervention mechanism for juvenile offenders, employing preventive, educational and corrective measures that are targeted and effective, it added.
In 2023, procuratorates nationwide furthered the implementation of the system of "those who enforce the law are also responsible for popularizing the law", promoting the professionalization of prosecutors serving as schools' vice-principals of law, and enhancing the quality and effectiveness of juvenile law publicity and education work.
In terms of the long-term development of juvenile prosecution work, procuratorates have deepened their investigation and research efforts, strengthened team building, embraced digital development, emphasized cooperation and communication, and facilitated the overall enhancement and long-term development of juvenile prosecution work, the white paper said.
