China's Supreme People's Court announced in Beijing on Wednesday that Chinese courts at all levels will adopt the chief justice system to give a bigger and, mostly, decisive say to chief justices.
At a news conference on Wednesday, the supreme court issued the " Methods on Selection of Chief Justice by People's Court (Trial)".
The document requires chief justices to be politically correct, have a higher education, and being professionally experienced and capable.
Courts at all levels should inspect these chief justices every year and those who are found to violate laws or disciplinary regulations will be removed from their posts. Chief justices who have been caught mishandling cases will be not only dismissed but also punished according to the law.
Speaking at the briefing, Jiang Xingchang, a vice president of the supreme court, said the establishment of the chief justice system, a major part of the ongoing restructuring of the country's court system, is expected to be completed by the end of 2001.
Reforms are aimed at improving efficiency and allowing chief justices to fulfill their duties, Jiang said, noting that under the existing system, a chief justice has to consult court leaders before making final decisions on a case, regardless of whether it is a simple or complicated case.
Once the system is set up nationwide, all the chief justices will be able to practice their independent powers and undertake their duties in accordance with the law, Jiang emphasized.
(Xinhua)
