Residents of Chikan district, Zhanjiang show gratitude to the mediator (first from left), a retired judge, after mediation. [Photo by Li Zhong/gdzjdaily.com.cn]

At the beginning of this year, Chikan district of Zhanjiang was the first in Guangdong province to introduce the mechanism of employing retired judges as mediators for towns (streets), a role in which they helped resolve civil disputes through discussions and negotiations. 

A total of 56 retired judges served as full-time town (street) mediators, providing legal services to grassroots government levels and the public, as well as promoting the construction of the rule of law at the grassroots level.

In this role, a judge is stationed at two judicial offices for one week each, conducting joint mediation as needed. Cash rewards are given to the mediators according to the level of mediation disputes.

In addition, retired judges are also able to act as legal counsel and grassroots legal publicists, providing legal services to the public and grassroots government levels.

The person in charge of the judicial bureau of Chikan district in Zhanjiang said that the district will continue to strengthen the professionalization level of the people's mediator team in the future to better serve the public.