Flags are seen at the Tian'anmen Square and atop the Great Hall of the People during the opening meeting of the second session of the 13th National People's Congress in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2019. (Xinhua/Yang Zongyou)
BEIJING, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Objectivity and impartiality were emphasized in the latest draft revisions to the Judges Law and the Procurators Law submitted to China's top legislature for review on Saturday.
According to the drafts, judges should adjudicate based on facts and the law, guided by objectivity and impartiality. Procurators should do the same.
Procurators must strictly ensure that crimes are punished only under the law, and protect human rights. They must prosecute criminals while protecting the innocent from criminal prosecution, the draft revisions say.
The two drafts are under their third readings at the ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.
The emphasis on objectivity and impartiality was suggested after the drafts' second readings, as legal experts pointed to the importance of procurators to objectively collect evidence.
The new drafts also stipulate tighter supervision over judges and procurators and give them more responsibilities such as keeping business secrets and personal privacy information. There will be legal consequences if they fail to do so, according to the drafts.
In addition, the drafts suggested the improvement of the selection and promotion of judges and procurators.
New judges and procurators must pass the national unified qualification exam for legal professionals and those who seek promotion to higher-level courts and procuratorates must have experience at the corresponding lower level judicial organs.
Both drafts also add a clause requiring judges or procurators to uphold the leadership of the Communist Party of China and the socialist system, and increase political training. Enditem
