China's Supreme Court opens doors to Internet users

China's Supreme People's Court (SPC) opened its doors to more than 50 Internet users and reporters from over 20 news organizations on Tuesday, known as the National Legal Public Education Day.

Visitors started the day at the China Court Museum after a short inauguration ceremony held in the SPC at 9 a.m..

The exhibition displayed items which showed the progress in law enforcement, and the development of China's legal institutions, according to one of the visitors surnamed Zhang.

The museum, built by the SPC, showcases the history of China's legal civilization dating back to ancient times.

At the main courtroom, big screens installed to display evidence during trials were used to show documentaries the court prepared for the visitors.

The movies featured personal stories of two judges, 34-year-old Li Li, in a local court in Beijing, and Zhai Shuquan from northeast Jilin province. Li and Zhai were invited to talk to the visitors.

One Internet user who calls himself "Fallen Leave" online, said the public are very concerned about the transparency of law enforcement, because it not only gauges China's legal development, but has a direct bearing on the common people.

The SPC also briefed visitors on their work concerning handling public suggestions. The SPC has an online "mailbox" in place, soliciting opinions.

Wang Shengjun, the SPC president and chief justice, said handling such opinions equals to conducting fieldwork survey.

Yu Housen, spokesperson of the SPC, told visitors the Court has designated people to read emails, sort out useful suggestions and hand them over to relevant departments, and publish replies on the official website of the SPC.

Yu said, "Opening the SPC to the public is one way to enable them to learn about and oversee the court."

Tuesday's activity marked the fourth time that the SPC has opened to the public.