无论从实践作用还是社会效果来看,目前信访制度对于普通司法救济来说,都是重要的ADR(AlternativeDispute Resolution,代替性纠纷解决)方式,在我国纠纷解决系统中具有不可替代的重要地位。近年来,上访人数、案件增长迅猛,原有信访制度明显力不从心。尽管2005年《信访条例》进行了相关修改,但仍无法根本解决现有信访制度的缺陷,各种矛盾和问题仍不断涌现。学界、实务界对如何完善信访制度已有较多讨论和分析,笔者认为,可借鉴较为成熟的Ombudsman制度,以 In terms of practical effect and social effect, the current petition system is an important ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) method for ordinary judicial remedies and plays an irreplaceable important role in China’s dispute resolution system. In recent years, the number of petitions and cases have been growing rapidly. Although the “Petition Ordinance” was revised in 2005, it still can not completely solve the defects of the current petition system, and various contradictions and problems continue to emerge. The academic circles and practical circles have discussed and analyzed how to perfect the system of letters and visits. According to the author’s opinion, we can draw lessons from the more mature Ombudsman system