Transparency in handling drunken driving needed
By ZHANG ZHOUXIANG | CHINA DAILY | Updated: 2023-12-20 07:44
The new guidelines for judicial standards in drunken driving cases have attracted a lot of attention, particularly a statement saying offenders in some incidents with minor consequences can be exempted from punishment.
The guidelines, which were jointly issued by the Supreme People's Court, the Supreme People's Procuratorate, the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Justice on Monday, have specified more than two dozen scenarios where the accused could face a heavier legal penalty or penalty without suspension.
The reason for the new guidelines is clear to all: the more than 300,000 cases of people found guilty of drunken driving every year in the country consume large amounts of judiciary resources.
However, the policy must address some public concerns first. Such as, how will the prosecutors decide who can be exempted from all charges. Some worry that the new guidelines will create space for corruption and the compromise of law in enforcement procedure.
It's necessary to make the judicial processes handling drunken driving cases transparent. The traffic police in many cities work together with local TV stations to livestream how they hunt down drunken drivers on the road.
Transparency is conducive to dispelling people's concerns about whether the implementation of the guidelines will be in practice.