NCJ Number
196917
Journal
Crime & Justice International Volume: 18 Issue: 61 Dated: April 2002 Pages: 7-8,29
Date Published
April 2002
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article explains China’s use of administrative penalties.
Abstract
The author explains that China utilizes a different type of justice system than is found in most western nations. For example, in the United States, punishment for criminal offenses is handed down by courts. In contrast, in China, public security is guarded by a system in which certain offenses are designated as administrative offenses and punishment for these offenses is handed down by police officers, not the courts. There are 13 offense categories that are designated as administrative violations, subject to administrative penalties. The author lists all 13 categories, which include disturbing the work environment, infringing upon the rights of others, encroaching upon public or private property, and prostitution. The author notes that in China, police handle more cases administratively than they handle through the criminal court system. Administrative penalties include either a fine or a term of confinement ranging from 1 to 15 days. These punishments are handed down by police without the benefit of a trial. However, the author explains that there is a system through which the suspected offender may protest the ruling of the police. Also included in this article is a textbox containing China’s latest amendments regarding counter-terrorism laws.