The Supreme People's Court recently issued a Code of Conduct for individuals holding positions and authority within the court system. This Code, comprising 8 articles, details ethical standards and communication practices for officials, covering their professional duties, social interactions, residences, and families.
Prohibiting harassment and accepting gifts from litigants
Article 5 of the Code requires court officials to show respect, listen, and provide thorough explanations when addressing citizens' requests. All petitions and feedback must be handled comprehensively and in accordance with the law.
Specifically, court officials are prohibited from being arrogant, threatening, causing stress, extorting, or intentionally delaying work processing. The Code strictly forbids indifference or insensitivity to citizens' concerns, and from abusing their positions for harassment or personal gain.
Officials must not refuse legitimate requests within their responsibilities without valid reason. The Code also strictly prohibits soliciting or accepting money, gifts, or any material and non-material benefits from litigants, lawyers, or organizations involved in ongoing cases.
Preventing relatives from holding financial or personnel positions
Regarding internal relations, officials are forbidden from abusing their authority to illegally interfere with colleagues' work. Heads and their deputies must not appoint spouses, parents, children, or siblings to human resources, accounting, cashier, or warehouse management roles within their own units.
Leaders and managers must protect the honor of civil servants, public employees, and workers against false complaints or accusations.
In online environments or during phone calls, court officials must not make statements or comments that negatively affect the sector's reputation.
When engaging with the press or speaking at conferences, officials must exercise caution and act within their authority; they are not to arbitrarily provide or disseminate internal information or information not yet authorized for public release.
Avoiding lavish parties for personal gain
Regarding social conduct, Article 6 mandates that court officials be exemplary, live civilly, and not violate traditional customs and ethics. The court sector strictly prohibits officials from aiding or shielding illegal acts or personal profiteering in any form.
At their residences and within their families (Article 7), court personnel must not organize events such as weddings, funerals, longevity celebrations, or housewarmings in an extravagant, wasteful manner or for personal gain.
Hai Duyen
