Public Trust and Social Order : Resolving Medical Disputes in China [in Japanese]

Abstract

As with any set of dispute resolution processes in any country, a core problem is how to reach a final resolution to grievances and claims. To be acceptable to the parties involved, grievances need to be addressed in a manner that is timely and perceived to be fair. This difficulty is particularly acute in China, where popular levels of trust in government and judicial decision-making are low. Recently much attention has focused on the high levels of petitioning and socially disruptive protest in many areas ranging from grievances about labour, to land, housing, environmental pollution and medical treatment. In part, reducing the level of popular grievance depends upon governance and policy reforms in these areas.