For most Chinese people, the path to justice begins not in grand courthouses but in modest, easily accessible offices tucked into village lanes and city streets. These branches of the grassroots court system are strategically located in residential communities and villages, serving as the public's primary point of contact with the judiciary and the front line for resolving disputes and delivering justice.

Recently, the Supreme People's Court released data showing that the number of these court branches has risen to 11,035 nationwide, including 7,615 in rural areas. Between 2021 and 2025, they handled about 34 million cases, a 70 percent increase from the previous five-year period.

The top court described these grassroots branches as the judiciary's "tentacles", highlighting their role in resolving disputes that affect people's daily lives and providing more accessible legal services.

"Some court branches have created expedited procedures for vulnerable groups, including the elderly and people with disabilities, particularly in cases involving employment disputes or work-related injuries," the court said."Some branches have also been established in remote or specialized areas, such as grasslands, tourist destinations and financial districts, to deliver legal services directly to local residents."

To reduce travel burdens for litigants and improve judicial efficiency, many services, including case filing, document delivery and court hearings, are now available online through these branches, it said.

For instance, a branch of Beijing's Xicheng District People's Court located in the Financial Street area has adopted a technology-driven approach by introducing an artificial intelligence mediator to help litigants articulate their claims and prepare legal documents.

In the sprawling communities of Huilongguan and Tiantongyuan, branches of the Beijing Changping District People's Court have adjusted their operating hours to accommodate commuters who cannot attend court during regular business hours. By offering evening hearings, document delivery and on-site inspections after work, these branches have made judicial services more convenient for working residents.

While expanding access to legal services, court branches have also supported high-quality development by efficiently handling disputes involving housing demolition, farmland and rural revitalization over the past five years, according to the top court.

In Jiangxi province, known for its strong agricultural sector and environmental initiatives, courts have strengthened their handling of rural and agriculture-related cases. For example, a branch of the Nanchang County People's Court in Tangnan township has taken legal measures to support grain storage infrastructure, while a branch of the Xiangdong District People's Court in Paishang township has established a judges' station specializing in disputes related to seed industry development and rural revitalization.

The top court also reported that from 2021 to 2025, court branches worked with 234,000 village committees, community committees and mediation organizations nationwide to resolve disputes at their source and improve grassroots governance.

The SPC urged court branches to continue addressing disputes that generate frequent public complaints, including those involving marriage and family matters, property management services, traffic accidents, private lending and personal injury compensation, while placing greater emphasis on cases involving cyber infringements and emerging business sectors.

Court branches are also encouraged to establish stronger long-term partnerships with local education, civil affairs and women's federation departments to improve child protection and prevent juvenile delinquency.

In addition, the top court emphasized the importance of supporting urban-rural development, including promoting new agricultural business models such as livestreaming sales of agricultural products and taking further measures to resolve disputes arising from urban construction projects, including old neighborhood renovations and elevator installation projects.

caoyin@chinadaily.com.cn