Beijing courts are preparing for the adoption of a new nationwide criminal law next year, under which some convicted juvenile offenders are to have their criminal records sealed, making it easier for them to apply for jobs or further education. According to the current Criminal Law, amended in 2011, most convicted criminals must report their record when they apply to the military or for a job. The new law would not require those who were under 18 when they committed the crime, and were sentenced to less than five years in jail or to a non-custodial sentence, to tell prospective employers of their conviction, but the employer can still access the record by applying to the police. Some argue this law change is unfair to companies because such a person may be a security risk, while others want to provide those who have corrected their mistakes with a second chance.
