China’s Legal Community Stunned, Scared After Judge Gunned Down

Marking the latest act of violence against members of the legal community, Chinese Judge Ma Caiyun was shot and killed last month by an individual whose divorce settlement had been before Caiyun in court. The individual and another attacker killed themselves after the assault. China’s judges have faced physical beatings, knifings, and other acts of violence. Last year, one man involved in a labor dispute stabbed four judges after an unfavorable verdict. Judges have been resigning from their posts in China, some publicly citing low pay and heavy caseloads. “With large numbers of talented judges leaving their posts, if there’s no one left to persevere for social justice, it will affect not only the regime’s stability, but also the legal rights and benefits of everyone,” Shenzhen-based lawyer Mei Chunlai posted on WeChat, reports the Wall Street Journal.