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.
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.
Founded in 1995, the JRF has offices in both Taipei and Taichung. Through case work, campaign and advocacy, educational programs, and legal research, we have been pushing for transparency in judicial system in the name of democracy and protecting the Rule of Law.
WHAT WE DO
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Research judicial systems, regulations, and advocate for the enactment or amendment of necessary clauses that protect and promote human rights |
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Collaborate with other civil forces to monitor proper operation of the judicial system |
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Enact, promote, and urge reform for the judicial system |
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Promote and urge the enforcement of the Rule of Law to the public through education and dissemination |
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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"
The Judicial Reform Foundation Stands Out Among 424 Civic Organizations Worldwide, Winning the Grand Prize in the "World Justice Challenge"
The "World Justice Challenge" (WJC), hosted by the international organization World Justice Project, is a major international competition. This year's theme is "The Rule of Law: Foundation of Democracy," focusing on effective strategies to strengthen the rule of law, resist authoritarianism, and rebuild trust in democratic governance. A total of 109 countries and 424 civic groups participated.
At 01:30 AM Taiwan time on August 1, during the American Bar Association's annual meeting, WJC held the final round in Chicago, where 30 finalists competed. Ultimately, one grand prize winner was selected for each of the five main themes.
The Judicial Reform Foundation, represented by attorney Grace Huang(Director of Global Justice and Digital Freedom), successfully won the grand prize! This achievement highlights the impact of Taiwan's civil society on the world stage and showcases the sustainable achievements of Taiwan's oldest judicial reform organization. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the 318 Movement, making this award particularly significant as it emphasizes the efforts of Taiwan's civil society in safeguarding the rule of law through the 318 Volunteer Lawyer Platform.
We extend our gratitude to the organizers and to all the partners of the Judicial Reform Foundation who love Taiwan and work together to uphold democratic rule of law. The Judicial Reform Foundation will continue its efforts, hoping that Taiwan's determination and strategies to strengthen democratic rule of law will provide confidence and support to regional democratic partners in an era of authoritarian expansion.
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.
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.
Later, along with the Alliance's Chairperson Lee Cheuk-yan and Vice Chairperson Albert Ho Chun-yan, she was charged with "inciting subversion of state power" and has been in detention for nearly two and a half years.
On May 28 and 29, 2024, just before the 35th anniversary of the June 4th incident, the Hong Kong National Security Department arrested human rights lawyer Chow Hang-tung, her mother, her uncle, and five other pro-democracy activists on charges related to "offenses with seditious intent."
JRF quickly issued statements in Chinese and English, with over 20 domestic and international organizations signing on.
Meanwhile, the documentary "Chow Hang-tung in Prison," which has been screened in collaboration with the Human Rights Committee, the Public Welfare Affairs Committee, the International Law Committee, the Immigration Law Committee, Judicial Reform Committee of the Taipei Bar Association, and the Legal Aid Foundation in Taiwan, has garnered the support of over 400 viewers.
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]
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