Rule of law discussed at key reform meeting

Guaranteeing lawyers' right to practice and developing professional judges and prosecutors were described at a meeting on Tuesday as crucial for China to advance the rule of law. Lawyer's various rights to practice must be protected, and any infringement upon lawyers rights must be prevented, said a statement issued after the 16th meeting of the Central Leading Group for Deepening Overall Reform presided over by President Xi Jinping. According to the statement, high-calibre lawyers will uphold the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and socialist rule of law. Legal practice should be regulated and with clear boundaries to their approved activities, the statement said. A professional career path should be established for judges and prosecutors to differentiate them from other civil servants. Pilot projects on remuneration for judges and prosecutors which respect the professional nature of their work will be launched and salaries will be calculated differently from other civil servants, The remuneration system will be based on merit and performance and favor those directly responsible for handling cases. The meeting was also attended by Premier Li Keqiang, senior leaders Liu Yunshan and Zhang Gaoli.