通過對規範性文本的歷史分析以及近年來中國某些典型案例的現實考察，可知新一輪司法改革的主旋律已由司法獨立變為司法民主。但是，司法獨立是司法民主的前提，中國司法改革面臨的根本問題是司法不獨立。試圖避開司法獨立的迫切要求而欲通過實現司法民主以改革司法不公的積弊是不切實際的幻想，註定要失敗。堅持司法獨立、推動政治體制改革以及理性實施司法民主是通往司法正義的正確路徑。

Based on a historical analysis of the normative data and an investigation into some typical cases in recent years, the author observes that the theme of judicial reform has changed from judicial independence to judicial democracy. Judicial independence is the premise of judicial democracy. The lack of independence on the part of the judiciary in China is its fundamental problem in Chinese judicial reform. It is unrealistic to avoid the urgent issue of judicial independence and try to achieve justice by judicial democracy. Insisting on judicial independence, promoting reform of the political system and implementing rational judicial democracy are the right path to achieve justice.