THE EVOLUTION OF CHINA’S COURT SYSTEM: INSTITUTIONAL TRANSFORMATION AND THE RISE OF SMART JUDICIAL GOVERNANCE
AUTHOR – SRINIVAS. M.K.[1]* & AKSHAY. M.S.[2]**
* DEPARTMENT OF STUDIES IN LAW, UNIVERSITY OF MYSORE
** ADVOCATE ,HONOURABLE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA
BEST CITATION – SRINIVAS. M.K. & AKSHAY. M.S, THE EVOLUTION OF CHINA’S COURT SYSTEM: INSTITUTIONAL TRANSFORMATION AND THE RISE OF SMART JUDICIAL GOVERNANCE, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (1) OF 2026, PG. 172-190, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344. DOI – https://doi.org/10.65393/NAUB3491
Abstract
The transformation occurred in distinct phases, including the early conventional system (1949–late 1970s), post-reform institutional reconstruction (late 1970s–1990s), performance evaluation and professionalization (2000–2013), judicial accountability reforms and digital foundations (2014–2016), and the integration of smart court technologies (2016–present). Each phase reflects a state-led model of judicial modernization, emphasizing efficiency, centralized supervision, and gradual professionalization. Smart courts, incorporating artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, blockchain, and Internet Courts, represent not merely technological upgrades but a systemic reconfiguration of judicial governance. While these developments have improved access to justice, transparency, and consistency, they also present challenges, including algorithmic bias, cybersecurity risks, digital exclusion, and tensions between efficiency and judicial autonomy. This paper traces the evolution of the Chinese court system from conventional, administration-oriented institutions to technologically advanced smart courts. The paper also highlights the long-term implications of China’s smart court model for judicial independence, the rule of law, and comparative legal studies.Keywords: Smart courts, judicial modernization, China, digital adjudication, judicial accountability
[1] Ph.D. Scholar (Law), Department of Studies in Law, University of Mysore, Gold Medallist in B.Sc. and M.Sc.; recipient of five Gold Medals and three Cash Prizes in LL.M. (Constitutional Law) with Distinction from the University of Mysore. He holds an Associateship and Diploma in Insurance from the Insurance Institute of India, Mumbai, is UGC-NET qualified, and is a multilingual scholar and practicing advocate.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0475-9447.
[2] LL.M, B.A.LL.B, Advocate ,Honourable High Court of Karnataka.