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The Death Penalty: China’s Practice and Policy

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China and International Human Rights

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Abstract

In contrast to the abolitionist States in the world, China maintains capital punishment with certain restrictions on its use among 57 countries actively practising it and 21 ones carrying out executions. China not only remains the death penalty as a chief executioner but also takes the responsibility of markedly reducing the number of executions in the world, e.g. precipitously from 12,000 executed prisoners to a quarter of them in one decade. This brighter trend results from the implementation of new policies, of which the death penalty policy is ‘to kill less and cautiously’, namely, ‘those who do not have to be killed should not be sentenced to death’, and the criminal policy is ‘balancing leniency and severity’. The Chinese policies seem to essentially adopt strict limits on the use of the death penalty.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    ‘Facts and Figures on the Death Penalty (1 January 2006)’, AI Index: ACT 50/006/2006, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/ENGACT500062006

  2. 2.

    See Abolitionist and Retentionist Countries (in 2011), AI, http://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2009_2014/documents/droi/dv/905_factsandfigures_/905_factsandfigures_en.pdf

  3. 3.

    See The death penalty: Strike less hard (Aug 3rd 2013), http://www.economist.com/news/china/21582557-most-worlds-sharp-decline-executions-can-be-credited-china-strike-less-hard

  4. 4.

    Zedong, Mao. 1991. Mao Zedong selected works [Mao Zedong Xuanji] [M], vol. 5, 1271. Beijing: People’s Publishing House [Renmin Chuban She].

  5. 5.

    Ibid/40.

  6. 6.

    See The death penalty: Strike less hard, Economist, 2013-08-04, http://www.sino-us.com/46/The-death-penalty-Strike-less-hard.html. Generally, it means that the case which is fit for lenient treatment shall be given lenience, or a strict punishment shall be imposed where the case should be strictly treated.

  7. 7.

    Ibid.

  8. 8.

    ‘China: Horrific New Year’, AI Index: ASA 17/007/2005, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engasa170072005

  9. 9.

    ‘China: Move to Reduce Executions?’, AI Index: ASA 17/053/2004, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engasa170532004; BDHRL 1–7.

  10. 10.

    ‘Death Penalty Developments in 2005’, AI Index: ACT 50/005/2006, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGACT500052006?open&of=ENG-CHN

  11. 11.

    ‘China: Fear of Execution’, AI Index: ASA 17/054/2004, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engasa170542004; ‘People’s Republic of China: The Death Penalty in 2000’, AI Index: ASA 17/032/2002, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engasa170322002; ‘China: One Thousand Executed in Strike Hard Campaign against Crime’, AI Index: ASA 17/071/1996, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/ENGASA170711996; BDHRL 6–7.

  12. 12.

    ‘China: Move to Reduce Executions?’, AI Index: ASA 17/053/2004, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engasa170532004, ‘China: School Trips to Watch Death Sentences’, AI Index: ASA 17/049/2004, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engasa170492004; ‘China: Fear of Imminent Execution, 50 Unnamed People’, AI Index: ASA 17/046/2004, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engasa170462004

  13. 13.

    Ibid.

  14. 14.

    ‘People’s Republic of China: The Death Penalty in 2000’, AI Index: ASA 17/032/2002, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engasa170322002; ‘China: One Thousand Executed in Strike Hard Campaign against Crime’, AI Index: ASA 17/071/1996, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/ENGASA170711996; ‘People’s Republic of China: At Least 1000 People Executed in ‘Strike Hard’ Campaign against Crime’, AI Index: ASA 17/072/1996, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/ENGASA170721996; BDHRL, ‘China (Includes Tibet, Hong Kong and Macau): Country Reports on Human Rights Practices – 2005’, at http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2005/61605.htm

  15. 15.

    ‘The Death Penalty Worldwide: Developments in 2003’, AI Index: ACT 50/007/2004, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engact500072004

  16. 16.

    ‘China’, AI Index: IOR 41/034/2004, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGIOR410342004?open&of=ENG-2S2

  17. 17.

    ‘Executed ‘According to Law’? The Death Penalty in China’, at http://web.amnesty.org/pages/chn-220304-feature-eng; ‘China: Olympic Games and Human Rights’, AI Index: ASA 17/044/2004, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA170442004?open&of=ENG-2S2

  18. 18.

    ‘China’, AI Index: IOR 41/034/2004, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGIOR410342004?open&of=ENG-2S2; ‘China: Fear of Imminent Execution/Death Penalty/Unfair Trial’, AI Index: ASA 17/059/2002, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA170592002?open&of=ENG-2S2

  19. 19.

    ‘People’s Republic of China Continuing Abuses under A New Leadership – Summary of Human Rights Concerns’, AI Index: ASA 17/035/2003, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engasa170352003

  20. 20.

    ‘Executed ‘According to Law’? The Death Penalty in China’, at http://web.amnesty.org/pages/chn-220304-feature-eng; ‘China: A Moratorium on the Death Penalty Is Urgently Required’, AI INDEX: ASA 17/012/2004, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA170122004?open&of=ENG-CHN

  21. 21.

    ‘People’s Republic of China: The Death Penalty in 2000’, AI Index: ASA 17/032/2002, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engasa170322002; ‘China: One Thousand Executed in Strike Hard Campaign against Crime’, AI Index: ASA 17/071/1996, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/ENGASA170711996; ‘The Death Penalty Worldwide: Developments in 2003’, AI Index: ACT 50/007/2004, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engact500072004

  22. 22.

    ‘China: Further Information on: Fear of Imminent Execution: Ma Weihua’, AI Index: ASA 17/058/2004, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engasa170582004

  23. 23.

    ‘People’s Republic of China: The Death Penalty in 2000’, AI Index: ASA 17/032/2002, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engasa170322002; ‘Kazakhstan: Forcible Return/Torture/Death Penalty’, AI Index: EUR 57/001/2006, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGEUR570012006?open&of=ENG-CHN

  24. 24.

    BDHRL, ‘China: Country Reports on Human Rights Practices – 1999’, at http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/1999/284.htm

  25. 25.

    ‘Strict Embargo’, AI Index: ASA 17/015/2004, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA170152004?open&of=ENG-2S2

  26. 26.

    ‘People’s Republic of China: The Death Penalty in 1998’, AI Index: ASA 17/057/1999, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA170571999?open&of=ENG-CHN

  27. 27.

    Ibid.

  28. 28.

    BDHRL, ‘China (Includes Tibet, Hong Kong and Macau): Country Reports on Human Rights Practices – 2004’, at http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2004/41640.htm

  29. 29.

    ‘People’s Republic of China: The Death Penalty in 2000’, AI Index: ASA 17/032/2002, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engasa170322002; ‘China: One Thousand Executed in Strike Hard Campaign against Crime’, AI Index: ASA 17/071/1996, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/ENGASA170711996

  30. 30.

    ‘People’s Republic of China: The Death Penalty in 1998’, AI Index: ASA 17/057/1999, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA170571999?open&of=ENG-CHN, ‘People’s Republic of China: The Death Penalty in 2000’, AI Index: ASA 17/032/2002, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engasa170322002; ‘China: One Thousand Executed in Strike Hard Campaign against Crime’, AI Index: ASA 17/071/1996, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/ENGASA170711996

  31. 31.

    ‘People’s Republic of China: Re-instatement of Supreme Court Review of Death Sentences – A Step towards Abolition’, AI Index: ASA 17/035/2005, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA170352005?open&of=ENG-CHN

  32. 32.

    BDHRL, ‘China (Includes Tibet, Hong Kong and Macau): Country Reports on Human Rights Practices – 2005’, at http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2005/61605.htm

  33. 33.

    IOPRC, ‘Human Rights in China’ (November 1991, Beijing), in China’s Human Rights, at http://www.humanrights-china.org/whitepapers/white_c01.htm/[IV]

  34. 34.

    A vice minister of the Health Ministry: no long relying on the use of organs transplanted from executed prisoners in two years, [weishengbu fubuzhang: liangnianhou qiguan yizhi buzai yilai sixingfan], http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2013-03-05/102626432256.shtml

  35. 35.

    ‘China: White Paper or Whitewash?’, AI Index: ASA 17/007/2000, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA170072000?open&of=ENG-CHN

  36. 36.

    Zhao Bingzhi. 2004. Gradual abrogation of the death penalty regarding the non-violent crimes from the perspective of Chinese death penalty policy. In The road of abolition of the death penalty in China—Regarding the abolition of the non-violent crimes at the present stage, ed. Zhao Bingzhi, 18. Press of Chinese People’s Public Security University of China.

  37. 37.

    As the current version of the Constitution of the PRC, it was adopted by the 5th NPC on 4 December 1982, with further revisions, respectively, in 1988, 1993, 1999 and 2004, as Amendment I, Amendment II, Amendment III and Amendment IV to the 1982 Constitution. Three previous Constitutions of 1954, 1975 and 1978 were superseded.

  38. 38.

    http://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2009_2014/documents/droi/dv/905_factsandfigures_/905_ factsandfigures_en.pdf

  39. 39.

    The 2000LL was passed by the 9th NPC on 15 March 2000 and went into effect from 1 September 2000. It describes the roles of various institutions in the Chinese government and relationship between laws and regulations made in China. See Legislation Law of the People’s Republic of China (Order of the President No.31), http://english.gov.cn/laws/2005-08/20/content_29724.htm

  40. 40.

    Articles 7–10, 47 of the 2000LL.

  41. 41.

    Article 56 of the 2000LL.

  42. 42.

    Article 73 of the 2000LL.

  43. 43.

    Article 63 of the 2000LL.

  44. 44.

    Article 8 of the 2000LL.

  45. 45.

    Article 7 of the 2000LL.

  46. 46.

    It is interpreted by the NPC Standing Committee according to Article 42 of the 2000LL.

  47. 47.

    Article 1 of the 1983OL.

  48. 48.

    Article 30 of the 1983OL.

  49. 49.

    Hu Yong, ‘To Ensure National Judicial Unity’ [Quebao Guojia De Sifa Tongyi], from Legal Daily [Fazhi Wang], at http://www.legaldaily.com.cn/zt/2004-03/12/content_82550.htm

  50. 50.

    Articles 21, 25 of the 1983OL.

  51. 51.

    ‘The Organization System of National Courts’ [Guojia Fayuan Zuzhi Zhidu], at http://news.xinhuanet.com/ziliao/2003-08/13/content_1024723.htm

  52. 52.

    Ibid.

  53. 53.

    Ibid.

  54. 54.

    Ibid.

  55. 55.

    The 1979CL was revised on 14th March 1997 as called the currently effective 1997CL. Subsequently, the Amendment I, the Amendment II, the Amendment III, the Amendment IV, the Amendment V, the Amendment VI, the Amendment VII and the Amendment VIII, to the 1997CL, were made and promulgated by the NPC Standing Committee, respectively, on 25th December 1999, on 31st August 2001, on 29th December 2001, on 28th December 2002, on 28th February 2005, on 29th June 2006, on 28th February 2009 and on 25th February 2011.

  56. 56.

    They are the two parts in the 1997CL.

  57. 57.

    Qu Xinjiu. 2002. The penal policy analyzed from power [Xingshi Zhengce De Quanli Fenxi], 49. Publishing House of the China University of Political Science and Law [Zhongguo Zhengfa Daxue Chubanshe].

  58. 58.

    The death penalty: Strike less hard (Aug 3rd 2013), http://www.economist.com/news/china/21582557-most-worlds-sharp-decline-executions-can-be-credited-china-strike-less-hard

  59. 59.

    Ibid.

  60. 60.

    The SPC ‘Reply of the Supreme People’s Court on Whether to Apply the Death Penalty to Pregnant Woman Normally Aborted during Detention in Trial’ [Zuigao Renmin Fayuan Guanyu Dui Huaiyun Funv Zai Jiya Qijian Ziran Liuchan Shenpan Shi Shifou Keyi Shiyong Sixing Wenti De Pifu], from China, at http://www.china.org.cn/chinese/funv/230604.htm

  61. 61.

    Article 18 of the 1997CL.

  62. 62.

    Ibid.

  63. 63.

    Ibid.

  64. 64.

    ‘China Tempers Justice with Mercy by Amending Criminal Law’, Xinhua Net, at http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2010-08/24/c_13458525.htm

  65. 65.

    It mainly involves criminals who voluntarily surrender themselves to justice or perform meritorious services, or commit crimes in a state of passion, out of righteous indignation or other criminal motives not exceptionally vicious. It also encompasses criminals who do not commit most serious crimes as one of the principal criminals in case of joint crimes or who have an intelligent deficiency or other situations worthy of sympathy.

  66. 66.

    Article 50 of the 1997CL.

  67. 67.

    It specified that ‘[I]f the criminal has been truly repented and performed meritorious service’, ‘this system shall be commuted to fix-term imprisonment of not less than 15 years but not more than 20 years upon expiry of two-year suspension.’

  68. 68.

    Article 50 of the 1997CL.

  69. 69.

    Articles 65 and 66 of the 1997CL.

  70. 70.

    This part encompasses ten chapters, namely, ‘Crimes of Endangering the State Security’, ‘Crimes of Endangering Public Security’, ‘Crimes of Undermining the Socialist Economic Order’, ‘Crimes of Infringing upon the Rights of the Person and the Democratic Rights of Citizens’, ‘Crimes of Property Violation’, ‘Crimes of Obstructing the Administration of Public Order’, ‘Crimes of Endangering Interests of National Defence’, ‘Crimes of Embezzlement and Bribery’, and ‘Crimes of Dereliction of Duty’, and ‘Crimes Contrary to Duties Committed by Servicemen’. From the order of these chapters, it is obvious that China highlights protection of the interests of the State security, public security and the socialist economic order, much more than guarantee of rights of the person and the democratic rights of citizens.

  71. 71.

    Huang Jingping, and Shilei. 2004. Briefly analyzing non-violent crimes and legislation of death penalty on Chinese criminal law. In The road of abolition of the death penalty in China—Regarding the abolition of the non-violent crimes at the present stage, ed. Zhao Bingzhi, 8. Press of Chinese People’s Public Security University of China.

  72. 72.

    ‘China: Move to Reduce Executions?’, AI Index: ASA 17/053/2004, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engasa170532004; ‘China: School Trips to Watch Death Sentences’, AI Index: ASA 17/049/2004, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engasa170492004; ‘China: Fear of Imminent Execution, 50 Unnamed People’, AI Index: ASA 17/046/2004, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engasa170462004

  73. 73.

    These include 5 kinds of crimes on Crimes of Endangering National Security, 3 on Crimes of Endangering Public Security, 16 on crimes of Undermining the Order of Socialist Market Economy, 1 on Crimes of Encroaching on Property, 5 on Crimes of Disrupting the Order of Social Administration, 2 on Crimes of Endangering the Interests of National Defense, 2 on Crimes of Graft and Bribery, and 10 on Crimes of Violation of Duty by Military Personnel.

  74. 74.

    Supra note 71, pp. 8–9.

  75. 75.

    China initiated the ‘Strike Hard’ anticrime campaigns in 1983 and since then had carried out three nationwide campaigns and several hundred campaigns at local levels in the past decades. See China rejects ‘Strike Hard’ anti-crime policy for more balanced approach, XINHUA, http://english.people.com.cn/200703/14/eng20070314_357516.html

  76. 76.

    Crime of organising or using superstitious sects engaged in counterrevolutionary activities; crime of carrying on counterrevolutionary activities through feudal superstition; crime of sabotaging weaponry.

  77. 77.

    Articles 125(2), 369(1), 370(1), 422 and 439 of the 1997CL.

  78. 78.

    The original crime of secret service was merged into crime of espionage; the previous crime of instigating rebellion and crime of armed mass rebellion were combined into the crime of armed rebellion; crime of organising a mass prison raid and crime of organising a jailbreak were brought into crimes of disrupting the order of social administration; original crime of counterrevolutionary sabotage, crime of counterrevolutionary murder and crime of counterrevolutionary homicide or injury apply punishments of crime against public security, crime of intentional murder and injury with the abolition of their charges.

  79. 79.

    It is Qianlian Fan in Chinese, which is defined as a circumstance where criminals commit offences whose purpose constitutes one crime and criminal means or results do another crime.

  80. 80.

    They are the crime of smuggling valuable cultural relics and of abducting and trafficking in women and children.

  81. 81.

    Wu Liming, and Fu Shuangqi, ‘Chinese Criminal Law Adds the Anti-Terrorism Content, and Terrorist Crimes Can be Sentenced to Death’ [Zhongguo Xingfa Jiaru Fankong Neirong Kongbu Fanzui Kebei Panchu Sixing], from Xinhua Agency [Xinhua She] (24/12/2001), at http://www.china.org.cn/chinese/2001/Dec/89751.htm

  82. 82.

    ‘China: Guangdong Bag Snatchers May Face Death Penalty’, AI Index: ASA 17/015/2006, at http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engasa170152006

  83. 83.

    Hu Changlong. 2003. Research on issues of procedures for capital cases [sixing anjian chengxu wenti yanjiu], 177. Publishing House of the Chinese People’s Public Security University [zhongguo renmin gong’an daxue chubanshe].

  84. 84.

    They are 7 crimes in 6 articles of the 1997CL, including the crime of skyjacking provided in Article 121, crime of kidnapping in Article 239, crime of trafficking women and children in Article 240(1), crime of rebelling to break prison in Article 317(2), crime of assembling a crowd to engage into armed rescue in Article 383(1), crimes of the graft and bribery both in Article 386.

  85. 85.

    General Comment No. 06: The right to life (Article 6): 30/04/82/[7].

  86. 86.

    Articles 3 and 18 of the 1996CPL and of the 2012CPL.

  87. 87.

    Ibid.

  88. 88.

    Article 4 of the 1996CPL and of the 2012CPL.

  89. 89.

    Article 3 of the 1996CPL and of the 2012CPL.

  90. 90.

    Article 10 of the 1996CPL and of the 2012CPL.

  91. 91.

    Articles 235–240 of the 2012CPL.

  92. 92.

    Articles 249–265 of the 2012CPL.

  93. 93.

    Articles 241–247 of the 2012CPL.

  94. 94.

    See Sect. 4.1, at para.1.

  95. 95.

    Chen Guangzhong (eds.). 1996. Science of criminal procedure law [xingshi susong faxue], 78. Publishing House of the China University of Political Science and Law [zhongguo zhengfa daxue chubanshe]; supra note 83.

  96. 96.

    Articles 3 and 4 of the 2012CPL.

  97. 97.

    Articles 167 and 168 of the 2012CPL.

  98. 98.

    Articles 19–27 of the 2012CPL.

  99. 99.

    Ibid.

  100. 100.

    Article 20 of the 2012CPL.

  101. 101.

    Articles 21–22 of the 2012CPL.

  102. 102.

    Article 26 of the 2012CPL.

  103. 103.

    Article 24 of the 2012CPL.

  104. 104.

    Article 25 of the 2012CPL.

  105. 105.

    Article 27 of the 2012CPL.

  106. 106.

    Article 9 of the 2012CPL.

  107. 107.

    Article 14 of the 2012CPL.

  108. 108.

    Article 28 of the 2012CPL.

  109. 109.

    Article 30 of the 2012CPL.

  110. 110.

    Article 14 of the 2012CPL.

  111. 111.

    Article 6 of the 2012CPL.

  112. 112.

    Article 12 of the 2012CPL.

  113. 113.

    Article 5 of the 2012CPL.

  114. 114.

    Article 10 of the 2012CPL.

  115. 115.

    Article 12 of the 2012CPL.

  116. 116.

    Article 32 of the 2012CPL.

  117. 117.

    Article 34(3) of the 2012CPL.

  118. 118.

    Article 32 of the 2012CPL.

  119. 119.

    Article 33 of the 2012CPL.

  120. 120.

    Article 35 of the 2012CPL.

  121. 121.

    Articles 37 and 38 of the 2012CPL.

  122. 122.

    Article 41(1) of the 2012CPL.

  123. 123.

    Article 41(2) of the 2012CPL.

  124. 124.

    Article 42(1) of the 2012CPL.

  125. 125.

    Article 42(2) of the 2012CPL.

  126. 126.

    Article 43 of the 2012CPL.

  127. 127.

    Information Office of the State Council of the PRC, JUDICIAL REFORM IN CHINA, October 2012, http://www.scio.gov.cn/zfbps/ndhf/2012/201210/t1226620.htm

  128. 128.

    Yu Ping. 2002. Glittery promise vs. dismal reality: The role of a criminal lawyer in the People’s Republic of China after the 1996 revision of the criminal procedure law. 35 Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law: 827, 857.

  129. 129.

    It provides that ‘If, in criminal proceedings, a defender or legal agent destroys or forges evidence, helps any of the parties destroy or forge evidence, or coerces the witness or induces him into changing his testimony in defiance of the facts or give false testimony, he shall be sentenced to fixed-term imprisonment of not more than three years or criminal detention; if the circumstances are serious, he shall be sentenced to fixed-term imprisonment of not less than three years but not more than seven years. Where a witness’s testimony or other evidence provided, shown or quoted by a defender or legal agent is inconsistent with the facts but is not forged intentionally, it shall not be regarded as forgery of evidence.’

  130. 130.

    Chen Ruihua. 2008. Falv zhiye gongtongti xingshicheng le ma: yi bianhu lvshi diaochaquan wei qieru de fenxi [Has the law community been formed? (Part I)-Analysis based on the defense lawyer’s investigatory right]. Zhongguo sifa [Just China] (3): 19.

  131. 131.

    Chen Xingliang. 2004. Wei Bianhu Quan Bianhu, Xingshifa Shiye Zhong De Bianhu Quan [Defending the defense right: Defense right from the perspective of criminal law]. Faxue [Legal Science] (1): 15–17.

  132. 132.

    Article 34 of the 2012CPL.

  133. 133.

    Article 181 of the 2012CPL.

  134. 134.

    Article 202 of the 2012CPL.

  135. 135.

    Article 182(1) of the 2012CPL.

  136. 136.

    Article 9(2) of the 2012CPL.

  137. 137.

    Article 34 of the 2012CPL.

  138. 138.

    Article 182(3) of the 2012CPL.

  139. 139.

    Article 182(4) of the 2012CPL.

  140. 140.

    Article 183(1) of the 2012CPL.

  141. 141.

    Article 183(2) of the 2012CPL.

  142. 142.

    Article 184 of the 2012CPL.

  143. 143.

    Article 185 of the 2012CPL.

  144. 144.

    Ibid.

  145. 145.

    Article 186 of the 2012CPL.

  146. 146.

    Article 187 of the 2012CPL.

  147. 147.

    Article 195 of the 2012CPL.

  148. 148.

    Article 196(1) of the 2012CPL.

  149. 149.

    Article 203 of the 2012CPL.

  150. 150.

    Article 216–217 of the 2012CPL.

  151. 151.

    Article 219 of the 2012CPL.

  152. 152.

    Article 216(1) of the 2012CPL.

  153. 153.

    Ibid.

  154. 154.

    Supra note 83, p. 238.

  155. 155.

    Article 217 of the 2012CPL.

  156. 156.

    Article 218 of the 2012CPL.

  157. 157.

    Ibid.

  158. 158.

    The SPC, ‘The 2005NPH’, in 7 New Laws and Regulations 2006, China Legal Publishing House, p. 47.

  159. 159.

    Ibid.

  160. 160.

    Supra note 83, p. 2250.

  161. 161.

    Susan Trevaskes, The Death Penalty in Contemporary China, Palgrave Macmillan (July 17, 2012).

  162. 162.

    The death penalty: Strike less hard (Aug 3rd 2013), http://www.economist.com/news/china/21582557-most-worlds-sharp-decline-executions-can-be-credited-china-strike-less-hard

  163. 163.

    The NPC Standing Committee. 1981. The No.10 notice of the NPC standing committee (80) (06/03/1980) [Quanguo Renda Changweihui Dishihao Tongzhi]. In Justice work handbook [Sifa Gongzuo Shouce], vol. 1, 471–472. Beijing: People’s Court Publishing House [Renmin Fayuan Chuban She].

  164. 164.

    The Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council [Guowuyuan Fazhi Bangongshi], The Collection of the Laws and Regulations of the PRC (01/1981-12/1981) [Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo Fagui Huibian], Beijing: Law Press, 1986, p. 50.

  165. 165.

    Li Zhufeng. 2006. General discussions on the contradiction of the retrieve of capital-punishment-reexamination power. 1 Journal of Qiqihar University (Philosophy and Social Sciences): 36.

  166. 166.

    Supra note 164, p. 3.

  167. 167.

    The Research Office of the SPC [Zuigao Renmin Fayuan Yanjiushi], The Complete Collection of Judicial Interpretations of the SPC of the PRC [Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo Sifa JieShi Quanji], Beijing: People’s Court Publishing House [Renmin Fayuan Chubanshe], 1994, 1997, 2002, p. 819.

  168. 168.

    Ibid.1994/157, 159; Ibid./1997/157–159; Ibid/2002/1467.

  169. 169.

    Ibid/2002/1467–1468. The 1997NDS provides that from the day when revised the 1997CL was officially enforced in 1 October 1997, except for those sentenced by the SPC, death sentences in all areas, for the Crimes of Endangering National Security in Chapter One of the 1997CL, crimes of disrupting the order of the socialist market in Chapter Three, and Crimes of Embezzlement and Bribery in Chapter Eight, still should be approved by the SPC, following the second instance or approval by HPCs and military courts of China. For crimes provided in Chapter Two, Chapter Four, Chapter Five, Chapter Six (except for drug-related crimes), Chapter Seven and Chapter Ten, the power to approve death sentences (except for those sentenced by the SPC or concerning foreign affairs), according to 1983OL Article 13, the SPC authorises both the HPC in every province, autonomous region or municipality directly under the Central Government and military courts of China for practice. However, death sentences concerning Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan should submit to the SPC for approval prior to first instance of pronouncement of judgements, and those for drug-related crimes, except that the HPC authorised the approval power of some death sentences; other HPCs and Military Courts of PLA should submit to the SPC for approval after the second instance or review.

  170. 170.

    Chen Weidong, and Zhang Tao. 1992. Practice and exploration of criminal special procedures [Sixing Tebie Chengxu De Shijian Yu Tantao], 169–171. Publishing House of the People’s Court [Renmin Fayuan Chuban She].

  171. 171.

    They were passed by the NPC Standing Committee or delegated by the SPC according to laws.

  172. 172.

    Chen Guangzhong, and Xiong Qiuhong. 1995. Opinions on revising criminal procedure law (Part II) [Xingshi Susongfa Xiugai Chuyi Xia]. 5 Science of Law in China [Zhongguo Faxue].

  173. 173.

    Chen Zexian, and Cai Yongtong. 2005. The immovable bonds: Looking on coldly the supreme court’s taking back the power of rechecking death penalty. 6 Jilin Public Security Higher College Journal [Jilin Gaodeng Zhuanke Xuexiao Xuebao].

  174. 174.

    The death penalty: Strike less hard (Aug 3rd 2013), http://www.economist.com/news/china/21582557-most-worlds-sharp-decline-executions-can-be-credited-china-strike-less-hard

  175. 175.

    Xue Jianxiang, and Min Xing. 2006. The establishment of the procedure for the second instance of death sentences: From the perspective of the restoration of the power to approve them by the SPC [Sixing An’jian Er’shen Chengxu De Goujian Yi Zuigao Renmin Fayuan Shouhui Sixing Hezhunquan Wei Shijiao]. 1–2 National Judges College Law Journal.

  176. 176.

    Article 41 of the 1982 Constitution.

  177. 177.

    Liu Lan, ‘The Case of Liu Yong Is not the First Criminal Case Reviewed by the SPC’ [Liuyong An Bingfei Shi Zuigao Fayuan Shouci Tishen Xingshi Anjian], in China News Net [Zhongxin Wang] (24/12/2003), at http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2003-12-24/17451422245s.shtml; Wu Jing, ‘People Daily: Liu Yong Was Sentenced to Death and Executed on the Same Day’ [Renmin Wang Liuyong Beipan Sixing Yiyu Dangri Zhixing], in People’s Daily (22/12/2003), at http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2003-12-22/17121404220s.shtml

  178. 178.

    Wang Jian. 2004. ‘Retraction’ of the power to approve death sentences is being counted down [Sixing Hezhun Shouquan Jinru Daojishi]. 23 Law and Life [Falv Yu Shenghuo].

  179. 179.

    Ibid.

  180. 180.

    Wang Yan. 2004. Value of procedural justice—Reflection on ‘Sun Wangang case from being sentenced to death to innocence [Chengxu Gongzheng De Jiazhi Dui Sun Wangang You Sixing Gaipan Wei Wuzui Anjian De Fansi]. 4 Journal of Zhejing Commence and Industry University [Zhejiang Gongshang Daxue Xuebao].

  181. 181.

    So far there have been three national campaigns of ‘Strike Hard’. The first began from September of 1983, the second and third, respectively, started from April of 1996 and the end of 2000.

  182. 182.

    Qiu Wei, ‘Beijing Courts Strictly Check on Death Sentences and 35 Criminals Sentenced to Death ‘Broke Away from Execution by Means of Shooting” [Beiing Fayuan Yanba Sixing Guan Sanshiwu Ming Sixingfan Bei Qiangxia Liuren], in Beijing Evening News [Beijing Wanbao] (11/08/2003).

  183. 183.

    Zhao Bingzhi, ‘Issue on Abolition of the Death Penalty for Non-Violent Crimes from the Death Penalty Policy of China’ [Cong Zhongguo Sixing Zhengce Kan Fei Baoli Fanzui Sixing De Zhubu Feizhi Wenti], from Procuratorial Daily [Jiancha Ribao] online, at http://www.jcrb.com.cn/zyw/n171/ca94403.htm

  184. 184.

    Xiong Hongwen. 2004. The influence of ‘indignation’ on criminal trial [Minfen Dui Xingshi Shenpan De Yingxiang]. 4 People’s Procuratorial Monthly.

  185. 185.

    Ibid.

  186. 186.

    Liu Defa. 2000. On several issues in the application of the death penalty [Lun Sixing Shiyong De Jige Wenti]. 1 Journal of Xinxiang Teachers College.

  187. 187.

    ‘Family Reunion in Reeducation-through-labour Center’, at http://english.people.com.cn/200301/31/eng20030131_111004.shtml

  188. 188.

    Chinese Criminal Law Regulates No Imposition of Capital Punishment on Pregnant Women and Female Drug-Dealer Was Forced into Abortion [Zhongguo Xingfa Guiding Yunfu Bupan Sixing Nv Dufan Beipo Liuchan], in Rednet, at http://photo.rednet.com.cn/Articles/2004/09/613267.HTM

  189. 189.

    Wang Na. 2002. On the codification of remission viewed in terms of international human rights pact. 2 Journal of Jiangsu Public Security College.

  190. 190.

    Ibid.

  191. 191.

    Article 147 of the 1996CPL.

  192. 192.

    Zhou Daoyuan. 2004. On perfection of the procedure for review of death sentences [Shilun Sixing Fuhe Chengxu De Wanshan]. 8 People’s Justice [Renmin Sifa].

  193. 193.

    Ibid.

  194. 194.

    Gao Mingxuan, and Zhu Benxin. 2004. On the public trial of the capital cases of the second instance [Lun Ershen Sixing Anjian De Gongkai Shenli]. 4 Modern Law Science.

  195. 195.

    Ibid.

  196. 196.

    Supra note 158.

  197. 197.

    Ibid.

  198. 198.

    Supra note 178.

  199. 199.

    Ibid.

  200. 200.

    Hu Yunteng. 1999. Maintenance or abolition: Basic theoretical study on the death penalty [Cunyufei Sixing Jiben Lilun Yanjiu], 282. China Procuratorate Publishing House [Zhongguo Jiancha Chubanshe].

  201. 201.

    Zhang Yongjiang, and Shu Hongshui. 2005. Analysis and improvement of the procedure for judicial review of death sentences. 1 Hebei Law Science.

  202. 202.

    Zhou Daoluan, in SF/2005/6/7-9.

  203. 203.

    Supra note 178.

  204. 204.

    Huang Qi. 2004. On Liuyong criminal case for retrial instituted through adjudicatory supervision provision. 4 Journal of Yunnan Police Officer Academy.

  205. 205.

    Huang Jingping, and Peng Fushun. 2004. On non Bis in Idem and the retrial of China’s death penalty case. 4 Modern Law Science.

  206. 206.

    Ibid.

  207. 207.

    The SPP, ‘Notice on Further Doing Well the Work of Dealing with Appeals by Persons Serving Sentences’ [Guanyu Jinyibu Zuohao Fuxing Renyuan Shensu Banli Gongzuo De Tongzhi], in 1 Gazette of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate of the People’s Republic of China [Zuigao Renmin Jianchayuan Gongbao] (2003).

  208. 208.

    Ibid.

  209. 209.

    Supra note 205.

  210. 210.

    Supra note 83, p. 338.

  211. 211.

    Gao Zhanchuan, in JAEGPSLI/2004/4.

  212. 212.

    Supra note 180.

  213. 213.

    Ibid.

  214. 214.

    Supra note 205.

  215. 215.

    He Bingsong (ed.). 1997. Textbook of criminal law [Xingfaxue Jiaokeshu], 66. China Legal System Publishing House [Zhongguo Fazhi Chubanshe].

  216. 216.

    Cai Dingjian. 1999. History and reform – The course of establishing legal systems in the PRC [Lishi Yu Biange Xinzhongguo Fazhi Jianshe De Licheng], 295. Publishing House of the China University of Political Science and Law [Zhongguo Zhengfa Daxue Chubanshe].

  217. 217.

    Cheng Guangzhong. (ed.). 2002. A study on the issues of ratifying and implementing of international covenant on civil and political rights [Gongmin Quanli He Zhengzhi Quanli Guoji Gongyue Pizhun Yu Shishi Wenti Yanjiu], 349. China Legal System Publishing House [Zhongguo Fazhi Chubanshe].

  218. 218.

    Ibid.

  219. 219.

    Article 123 of the 2012CPL.

  220. 220.

    Li Junming, and Song Yanhui. 2004. On principle of presumption of innocence in criminal procedure [Lun Xingshi Susong Zhongde Yizui Congwu Yuanze]. 4 Journal of Hebei Radio & TV University.

  221. 221.

    Zhao Xiaoqiu. 2003. Sunshine penetrates through the predicament of criminal defence [Yangguang Chuantou Xingbian Kunju]. 21 Law & Life.

  222. 222.

    He Weifang. 1998. More learning alongside law [Fabian Yumo], 56–57. Beijing: Law Press.

  223. 223.

    Zhu Yanxin, ‘Considerations of the System of Independent Justice’ [Guanyu Sifa Duli De Zhidu Sikao], from Legal Thesis Database [Falv Lunwen Ziliaoku], at http://www.law-lib.com/lw/lw_view.asp?no=1241

  224. 224.

    Ibid.

  225. 225.

    Chen Xinxin, ‘Judicial Independence in Chinese Context’ [Zhongguo Yujing Xia De Sifa Duli], from Chinese Academy of Social Sciences [Zhongguo Faxuesuo], at http://www.iolaw.org.cn/shownews.asp?id=533

  226. 226.

    Ibid.

  227. 227.

    Supra note 158.

  228. 228.

    Zhao Heli, and Zhou Shaohua. 2004. A reflective study of inspecting and adopting evidence in capital cases. 4 Modern Law Science.

  229. 229.

    Ibid.

  230. 230.

    Liu Renwen. 2004. Strict restriction on death penalty and its paths in China. In The road of abolition of the death penalty in China—Regarding the abolition of the non-violent crime at the present stage, ed. Zhao Bingzhi, 37–48. Press of Chinese People’s Public Security University of China.

  231. 231.

    Yang Yuguan. 2002. Exclusionary rule of unlawful evidence [Feifa Zhengju Paichu Guize]. In A study on the issues of ratifying and implementing of international covenant on civil and political rights [Gongmin Quanli He Zhengzhi Quanli Guoji Gongyue Pizhun Yu Shishi Wenti Yanjiu], ed. Cheng Guangzhong, 260. China Legal System Publishing House [Zhongguo Fazhi Chubanshe].

  232. 232.

    Supra note 180.

  233. 233.

    Ibid.

  234. 234.

    Li Yan. 2000. Calling for the procedural justice: Reflection on a case involving the death penalty [Wei Chengxu Zhengdang Nahan Yiqi Sixing Anjian De Fansi]. 7 Chinese Lawyer.

  235. 235.

    Ibid.

  236. 236.

    Zhu Juyin. 2004. The understanding of criminal testification standards and the problems in practice [Xingshi Zhengming Biaozhun De Lijie Ji Shijian Zhong Cunzai De Wenti]. 3 Journal of Wuhan Public Security Cadre’s College.

  237. 237.

    ‘Rules on Certain Issues Relating to the Exclusion of Illegal Evidence in Criminal Cases’, http://www.spp.gov.cn/site2006/2010-06-25/0005428115.html

  238. 238.

    Dui Hua. 2011. China’s new rules of evidence in criminal trials. 43 New York University Journal International Law and Politics: 739.

  239. 239.

    Chen Lie and Zhang Leping, ‘Kunming Intermediate People’s Court Threw Daylight on the Inside of Execution of Death Sentences by Means of Injection’ [Kunming Zhongyuan Pilou Zhushe Sixing Neiqing], in Youth Daily [Qingnian Bao] (11/07/1997).

  240. 240.

    Zhuang Xujun. 2005. On injection death penalty. 4 Journal of Southwest University of Science and Technology.

  241. 241.

    Yang Wenxue, ‘In Beijing Criminals Sentenced to Death Can Meet the Relative before Execution, The Media Can Gather News in the Whole Course’[Beijing Sixing Fan Xingxing Qian Kejian Qinshu Meiti Ke Caifang Zhixing Guocheng], from Xinhuanet, at http://news.xinhuanet.com/newmedia/2003-09/02/content_1058794.htm (2 September 2003).

  242. 242.

    Media revealing brutal torture in Chongqing’s anti-mafia campaigns, torturer being not afraid of beating detainers to death due to WANG Lijun, [Meiti Bao Chongqing Dahei Jidi Canku Xingxun, Dasi Bupa You WANG Lijun] (10 December 2012), http://www.legaldaily.com.cn/News_Center/content/2012-12/10/content_4038287.htm

  243. 243.

    See Louisa Lim, Abuse Claims Follow Mafia Crackdown in Chinese City, NPR (27 March 2012), http://www.npr.org/2012/03/27/149467544/in-chinas-crime-crackdown-claims-of-abuse

  244. 244.

    See Disclosing the inside information of Case LI Zhuang: Being detained due to unwillingness of cooperating with Chongqing’s anti-mafia, [Lizhuang An Quancheng Neimu Pilu: Buyuan Peihe Chongqing Dahei Beiguanya], CHINA (21 December 2012), http://www.china.com.cn/news/2012-12/21/content_27480440_2.htm

  245. 245.

    Ibid.

  246. 246.

    WANG Hehe, and HE Xin, Case FAN Qihang entering the procedure for review of death sentences where the video of meeting with a lawyer was exposed, [FAN Qihang An Jinru Sixing Fuhe, Lvshi Huijian Shipin Baoguang], CAIXIN NET (28 July 2010), http://finance.sina.com.cn/roll/20100728/11118378450.shtml

  247. 247.

    Ibid.

  248. 248.

    XU Dan: WANG Lijun and Secretary XIN Jianwei (2), [xudan wang lijun he mishu xinjianwei (2)], 19 May 2013, http://www.360doc.com/content/13/0519/23/241764_286653049.shtml

  249. 249.

    See Chongqing Starting to redress injustices, nearly 900 police having been vindicated, [chongqing qidong pingfan yuanjia cuoan xingdong, yiyou jin jiubai jingcha pingfan], (29 November 2012), http://www.legaldaily.com.cn/locality/content/2012-11/29/content_4020288.htm?node=30972

  250. 250.

    Ran Jin, and Zhao Lei, Case GONG Ganmo: the mystery of confessions extorted by torture being unsolved, [gonggangmo an xingxun bigong zhimi weijie], SOUTH WEEKEND (7 January 2010), http://www.infzm.com/content/39772

  251. 251.

    Xu Lan. 2004. Protection of criminal suspects’ rights and realization of judicial justice [Baozhang Fanzui Xianyiren Renquan Shixian Sifa Gongzheng]. 2 Forest Police [Senlin Gong’an].

  252. 252.

    The death penalty: Strike less hard (Aug 3rd 2013), http://www.economist.com/news/china/21582557-most-worlds-sharp-decline-executions-can-be-credited-china-strike-less-hard

  253. 253.

    Chen Qi, and Luo Lu. 2003. The phenomenon of selling off organs of the executed should have legislative limits [Bianmai Sixing Fan Qiguan Xianxiang Jiying Zuochu Lifa Xianzhi]. 5 Procuratorate Practice [Jiancha Shijian].

  254. 254.

    Yan Shide, and Dong Kaiwei, ‘Relatives’ Right to Know the Inside Story of Organic Contribution by Criminals executed death penalty’ [Sixing Yijuefan Juanxian Qiguan De Neibu Zhiqingquan], in Lanzhou Morning News [Lanzhou Chengbao] (23/12/2003).

  255. 255.

    Supra note 83, pp. 309–311.

  256. 256.

    A vice minister of the Health Ministry: No long relying on the use of organs transplanted from executed prisoners in two years, [weishengbu fubuzhang: liangnianhou qiguan yizhi buzai yilai sixingfan], http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2013-03-05/102626432256.shtml

  257. 257.

    See China admits death row organ use, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8222732.stm

  258. 258.

    See China announces end date for taking prisoners’ organs, 16 August 2013, available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-23722796

  259. 259.

    Ibid.

  260. 260.

    Latest Live Broadcast [Zuixin Zhibo], CHINA COURT (15 December 2012), available at: http://old.chinacourt.org/zhibo/

  261. 261.

    See LUO Shuzhen, Reform on the Judicial Transparency System: Let Power Function in the Sun [sifa gongkai zhidu gaige: rang quanli zai yangguang xia yunxing], CHINA COURT (17 Sep. 2012), available at: http://www.chinacourt.org/article/detail/2012/09/id/586838.shtml

  262. 262.

    Li Enshen. 2010–2011. The Li Zhuang case: Examining the challenges facing criminal defense lawyers in China. 24 Columbia Journal of Asian Law: 130.

  263. 263.

    See China Court (30 November 2010), http://old.chinacourt.org/zhibo/zhibo.php?zhibo_id=3548

  264. 264.

    Ibid.

  265. 265.

    Wang Li/2002/2.

  266. 266.

    BDHRL, ‘China (Includes Tibet, Hong Kong and Macau): Country Reports on Human Rights Practices – 2003’, at http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2003/27768.htm

  267. 267.

    ‘Retrospect of Legal Focus in December’ [Shi’er Yue Fazhi Jiaodian Huigu], from China Court, at http://www.chinacourt.org/public/detail.php?id=97629

  268. 268.

    Li Yimin, and Yang Yongzhi. 2005. Considerations to the reformation and perfection of our country’s system of criminal defence by attorney. 1 Hebei Law Science.

  269. 269.

    Wang Li. 2002. Comparative studies on lawyer’s criminal liability [Lvshi Xingshi Zeren Bijiao Yanjiu], 13. Beijing: Law Press.

  270. 270.

    Supra note 262.

  271. 271.

    Zhang Wenjing. 2004. Program launching seminar on strengthening the defense in cases pertaining to death penalty in China held in Beijing. 4 Justice of China.

  272. 272.

    The No.1 IPC of Beijing ‘Starting the Investigation Procedures of Illegal Evidence to Echo New Regulations of the Criminal Procedural Law, [Yi Zhongyuan Qidong Feifa Zhengju Diaocha Chengxu Huying Xingsu Fa Xin Guiding], CHINA COURT [ZHONGGUO FAYUAN] (13 September 2012), available at: http://www.chinacourt.org/chat/chat/2012/09/id/12976.shtml

  273. 273.

    See Gu Yongzhong, and Su Ling. (eds.). Theory and exploration of Chinese adversarial system as trial methods, 84. Chinese Procuratorate Press.

  274. 274.

    Zhou Qing. 2004. Regression from the perspective of rights—On the issue of idealistic changes of witnesses’ testifying [Quanli Shijiao De Huigui Guanyu Zhengren Zuozheng De Guannian Zhuanxing Wenti]. 2 Jinling Law Review [Jinling Falv Pinglun].

  275. 275.

    Chen Guangzhong, and Chen Haiguang, ‘Further Improvement of Criminal Procedural System of China’ [Zhongguo Xingshi Susong Zhidu De Jinyibu Wanshan], from Chinese Academy of Social Sciences [Zhongguo Faxuesuo], at http://www.iolaw.org.cn/shownews.asp?id=533

  276. 276.

    Even worse, among 74 criminal cases collected from the same ‘live webcast’ published in September 2012, 42 cases involved judges’ certification of evidence at trial, including 41 which focused on evidence provided by the prosecution without objection from the opposite side. Only in one case did a trial judge ruled evidence to be irrelevant after the prosecutor cross-examined the defence party’s evidence. Among the 41 cases involving authorisation of the prosecution’s evidence, judges clearly expressed the certified content as being ‘true’ in 10, ‘objective’ in 2, ‘lawful’ in 14, ‘with legal procedures’ in 3, ‘effective’ in 16, ‘related’ in 3 cases or ‘proved’ in 1 case at most trials, overlapping contents in several cases.

  277. 277.

    In fact, after merely excluding the first, the remaining four are still used for the conviction and sentencing. According to the confession rule, four follow-up confessions to obtain confessions should be excluded even with legal forms, if being forced to make under the continuing impact of previous threats and other illegal activities.

  278. 278.

    Supra note 178.

  279. 279.

    Supra note 180, pp. 56–61.

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  1. College for Criminal Law Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China

    Na Jiang

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Jiang, N. (2014). The Death Penalty: China’s Practice and Policy. In: China and International Human Rights. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-44902-4_4

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