Based on the sample from 1997 to 2015 of Chinese A-share listed companies, this report empirically studies the implementation of the listed companies' independent director system and studies whether its characteristics is related to the corporate violations and to what degree. According to the results, the implementation of independent director system can reduce the corporate violation and reduce the probability of its occurrences, therefore the independent director system seems to exert a positive effect. The four background features represented by the independent directors which include academic, political, financial and overseas background have no significant impact on the company's illegal behavior. The average age of independent directors and the proportion of women within the independent directors are not related to whether the company violates regulations and to what degree. Entrusting others to attend the meeting has no significant impact on the corporate violations, but the independent directors' absence would increase the probability of corporate violations. The background characteristics, average age, female proportion, and behavioral characteristics of independent directors have no effect on the severity of the corporate violations. This research is helpful for assessing the system of independent directors and for guiding listed companies to use it effectively. It is suggested that China Securities Regulatory Commission need perfect the system of independent directors, and listed companies should pay more attention to the participation of independent directors in company meetings.