Our Impact
WHO WE ARE
The Judicial Reform Foundation (JRF) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization committed to the protection of human rights and the rule of law by reforming the judicial system in Taiwan.
WHAT WE DO
Research judicial systems, regulations, and advocate for the enactment or amendment of necessary clauses that protect and promote human rights |
Collaborate with other civil forces to monitor proper operation of the judicial system |
Enact, promote, and urge reform for the judicial system |
Promote and urge the enforcement of the Rule of Law to the public through education and dissemination |
Advocate for human rights, democracy, rule of law, and other matters related to judicial reform |
LATEST PROJECTS
HISTORY JRF KEY EVENTS
JRF called for a judge’s name plate to be placed on the bench during court sessions and called for prosecutors to attend court.
Spoke with former President Lee Teng-hui and obtained the promise of an independent judiciary budget.
The 3rd National Assembly then added the Judicial Budget Independence Clause to Article 5 of the 4th Amendment of the Constitution.
The Taiwan High Court acquitted Su Jianhe, Liu Binglang, and Zhuang Linxun in a retrial. The three were released in court, leaving the prison where they had been detained for nearly 12 years.
In the same year, the Criminal Procedure Law was revised to implement advanced legal systems such as improved party progressivism, strict evidence rules, and cross-examination
‘I Want Judges Law’ Parade called on the Legislative Yuan to pass the "Judges’ Law" and eliminate unqualified judges.
Ke Fangze and others petitioned for an interpretation of the Constitution, and the Supreme Court declared that Article 2, Section 3 of the Unjust Prison Compensation Act, which states there is "no compensation due to intentional or gross negligence," was unconstitutional, prompting the proposal of the Criminal Compensation Act.
GLOBAL REACH
Taiwan Wins for the First Time!
The Judicial Reform Foundation Stands Out Among 424 Civic Organizations Worldwide, Winning the Grand Prize in the "World Justice Challenge"
Hong Kong– defending democracy in our neighbouring allies
Human rights activist and former Vice Chairperson of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, Barrister Chow Hang-tung, was sentenced to 15 months in prison on June 4, 2021, for promoting and calling on others to participate in the June 4th vigil online.
LEGAL EDUCATION
Campus Moot Court
Since 2018, the Taichung office has promoted the "Campus Moot Court,” adapting real cases into scripts. In 2022, it incorporated scripts based on the upcoming Citizen Judges Act to simulate litigation involving student participation. This initiative allows students to learn important criminal trial principles like the presumption of innocence and the law of evidence, fostering deliberative democracy through dialogues among jurors and citizen judges.
Additionally, the Taichung office hosts annual summer camps, targeting high school and vocational school students. These camps feature in-depth curricula and activities aimed at deepening understanding of judicial reform, instilling the rule of law, and nurturing future legal educators.
Internship Program
In collaboration with multiple universities, JRF’s Volunteer and Intern Training Program gives students hands-on judicial experience and cultivates future talents. Through wrongfully convicted rescue work, court observations, and other pro bono cases, interns gain a comprehensive understanding of judicial reform. By 2023, the program had 266 interns who collectively contributed to 22,061 hours.
Thesis Award Program
The JRF has established a thesis award program to promote judicial reform, enhance policy research, and cultivate talent. The program aims to incentivize and recognize outstanding master's theses, doctoral dissertations, and independent research papers in judicial reform.
GET INVOLVED
Contact us
E-mail ➤ [email protected]
Donate Petitions/ joint statement Collaboration Volunteer Internship
The Judicial Reform Foundation’s opinions on the National Science and Technology Council’s “Artificial Intelligence Basic Act”
2024-10-28