Judicial Investigation Procedure

Case Processing

For Treason/Rebellion Cases

1. Investigate all connections
2. "穷根本" (Trace to the root)
3. Document all accomplices
4. Consider if some were coerced vs. willing

For Property Crimes

1. Determine value of stolen goods
2. Assess if violence was used
3. Consider circumstances (need vs. greed)

For Official Misconduct

1. Compare actions to established law
2. Examine intent vs. negligence
3. Consider past service record

Punishment Guidelines

• Proportional to offense
• Consider social status appropriately
• "不避贵戚" (Don't spare the powerful)
• "不私其父" (Don't favor one's own father)

Ethical Standards

• Judge must be willing to accept same punishment if wrong
• Cannot use position to escape accountability
• Death before dishonor of the law

Expected Outcomes

• Public trust in legal system
• Deterrence of crime
• Rehabilitation where possible
• Justice seen to be done

Verification

• Confirm the investigating official has accepted personal accountability for potential errors (失刑则刑, 失死则死)
• Validate that evidence was gathered from multiple witnesses with cross-referenced testimonies
• Check that punishment is proportional to the offense and applied impartially regardless of the accused's social status (不避贵戚)