Jiangsu's legal education bridges tradition, technology

In the heart of East China's Jiangsu province, a wave of legal enlightenment is sweeping across diverse landscapes, from ancient towns to rural enclaves and bustling urban centers.

Begin your journey in Huishan, where tradition meets innovation in the bustling marketplace of legal education. Here, amid the echoes of centuries past, Jiangsu's rich cultural heritage mingles with legal wisdom, as artisans infuse traditional crafts with different legal themes.

"I have crafted a diverse range of cultural products that resonate deeply with the local community and grassroots legal educators. Through these creations, we promote legal concepts and also enhance the marketability of our intangible cultural products," said Chen Lei, an inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage of Huishan clay figurines.

Venture further afield, where the tranquility of rural life beckons in the village of Shannan, or the south of Anyang Mountain, a 140-million-year-old ancient volcano that has nurtured swathes of peach trees as well as the local economy.

From the remnants of a dilapidated hamlet, Shannan has emerged as a beacon of legal awareness, weaving legal education into the fabric of daily life.

"Choosing Shannan as the hub was a strategic decision, driven by its significant daily foot traffic. We aim to deepen the penetration of legal education by leveraging the place, which not only uplifts legal literacy but also fosters cultural refinement, vitalizes rural economies, and showcases local heritage," said Mao Pengtao, a local staff member.

However, at the forefront of Jiangsu's legal advancements is Suzhou, the province's economic powerhouse, where the Suzhou Internet Tribunal represents a stride in innovative legal practices. Established in May 2023, the institution has modernized the judicial landscape, introducing digital platforms that enhance access to justice and streamline legal proceedings, thereby offering citizens unprecedented convenience and efficiency.

"Through its innovative approach to online adjudication, the internet tribunal has become a lifeline for residents across the city, offering swift resolution to disputes and ensuring that justice is accessible to all, regardless of geographical constraints or logistical barriers," said Wu Ya, deputy chief judge of the tribunal.

From ancient towns to modern metropolises, Jiangsu's commitment to legal popularization knows no bounds. Through creativity, innovation, and a steadfast dedication to the principles of fairness and equity, the province is charting a course toward a brighter future.