MOJ releases guidelines for administering legal aid volunteers

The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and the central civilization office of the Communist Party of China have jointly released guidelines for administering legal aid volunteers. 

The guidelines specify the definition of legal aid volunteers and the services they provide, which range from offering legal consultation and participating in court trials as attorneys to providing translation services and promoting legal aid work. 

According to the guidelines, legal aid institutions are responsible for carrying out volunteer services, and higher education institutions and research institutes can recruit teachers, researchers and students in legal studies as volunteers. 

The guidelines enhance protection for volunteers, requiring recruiting organizations to sign service agreements with and purchase personal accident insurance for them. 

The guidelines also require judicial administration organs and authorities involved in volunteer services to establish an incentive mechanism for volunteers.