刑事速裁程序(xíngshì sùcái chéngxù): Fast-track criminal trial procedure

The newly revised Criminal Procedure Law stipulates "a lighter sentence if the accused pleads guilty or accepts punishment" and a "fast-track criminal trial procedure", which have attracted much attention.

The fast-track trial procedure is in accordance with the system of lighter sentences if the accused pleads guilty or accepts punishment. A pilot program for the fast-track procedure was launched in 2014, with the aim of optimizing judicial resources and improving judicial efficiency.

The pilot program for the fast-track criminal trial procedure showed that it reduced the amount of time needed for a case and increased the case settlement rate. It was also found to be of great significance to safeguard the rights of the accused, upholding social justice and fairness.

According to the newly revised Criminal Procedure Law, under certain conditions, including when there are clear facts in a case, and solid and sufficient evidence and it involves a prison sentence of less than three years, a court may adopt the fast-track procedure, as long as the accused pleads guilty and accepts punishment and agrees to apply this procedure.

But it is important that the courts strictly review the procedure and make sure that the accused agree to its use, in order to avoid undermining the legal rights of the accused.