He was one of the first group of Chinese lawyers to go to court wearing an official uniform since the country's provision on lawyer's garments became effective on Jan. 1.

"Clad in the lawyer suit, I have a sense of mission and responsibility," Pan said. "It reminds me to be a lawyer, instead of an ordinary person."

Previously, lawyers appeared in court in suits of various kinds. It looked inharmonious to judges and prosecutors who dressed uniformly.

Chinese judges began to wear uniform black robes from May 1 last year. One month later, they were required to use a gavel in court in accordance with a stipulation of the Supreme People's Court.

Li Xinsheng, deputy head of the Beijing Municipal No. 1 Intermediate People's Court, said "these are important components of the judicial protocol."

More and more Chinese and foreigners have witnessed fast reforms in China's judicial system. The principles of fairness, openness, justice and efficiency have appeared in various forms.

(Xinhua News Agency January 3, 2003)