The Supreme People's Court (SPC) of China will improve the family law judicial system through pilot reforms in some local courts, according to a video conference held on May 11.

Family law, a special kind of civil judicial procedure, is concerned with marriage and family harmony as well as the legal interests of family members, including juveniles, women and the elderly, said Shen Deyong, executive vice-president of the SPC.

Family harmony and stability is the cornerstone of national development, social progress and the prosperity of ethnic groups. It is also the basis of a moderately prosperous society.

Shen said that judges with familiarity with marriage and family affairs and profound knowledge of social psychology should be promoted to be presiding judges.

Family law judgments should reflect judicial flexibility and humanistic care.

The relationship between family law and juvenile law should be well considered, Shen added.