Chinese courts enhance efforts to rehabilitate juveniles in drug cases

Chinese courts are intensifying efforts to rehabilitate and educate juveniles involved in drug-related offenses, aiming to promote their healthy development. Cai Jinfang, deputy chief judge from the Supreme People's Court's First Civil Division, highlighted at a news conference that most juvenile offenders in drug cases are young, have low education levels, and often drop out of school.

She noted that some minors face issues like negative peer influences, lack of parental supervision, and mental health challenges, with growing concerns about the use of the internet and social media to share drug experiences and conduct transactions.

Courts nationwide are strictly enforcing legal responsibilities for selling drugs, especially unregulated addictive substances, to minors and targeting venues that allow drug consumption by minors. Judges are encouraged to analyze the causes and trends of juvenile drug involvement and propose solutions to relevant departments.

Last year, the SPC recommended that the National Health Commission strengthen the regulation of medical narcotics, resulting in new rules requiring guardian consent for prescriptions to minors. Courts are also collaborating with government agencies, social organizations, schools, and families to prevent minors' access to drugs.

In May, the SPC, in collaboration with various organizations, released a handbook addressing issues like family supervision and school education. Over 40,000 judges have been educating students about drug awareness through case studies, urging schools to control narcotics in nearby stores and online platforms.

Li Xiaoguang, deputy chief judge of the SPC's Fifth Criminal Division, highlighted an initiative where students observed trials involving illegal drug use, helping them understand the proximity and dangers of drug abuse. Judges are encouraged to innovate measures to educate children about drugs effectively.