Li Shaoping(M), vice-president of the SPC, stresses that circuit courts should be pioneers in innovation-driven judicial reform at a session of the Fifth Circuit Court held Jan 30. [Photo/court.gov.cn]

Circuit courts of the Supreme People's Court (SPC) should innovate judicial trials to deepen judicial reform, Li Shaoping, vice-president of the SPC, stressed at a session of the Fifth Circuit Court on Jan 30.

At the meeting, Li appreciated the performance of the Fifth Circuit and emphasized the importance of regulations to define the roles of judicial officers and improve their capacity.

Properly dealing with various types of cases is still a focus of circuit courts, Li stressed.

Circuit courts were established to provide easier access to judicial assistance for the people. Therefore, staff members at the circuit courts must frequently visit their local areas to learn about the people's customs and culture, which will help in resolving disputes.

The Fifth Circuit Court was launched in Chongqing on Dec 29, 2016, and accepts cases in five provincial regions, including Sichuan, Guizhou and Yunnan.. It plays an important role in providing judicial service and guarantee and supporting local reform and economic development.

In addition, Li urged deepening of judicial reform through innovation.

The circuit courts should be pioneers in innovation-driven judicial reform and models for courts at various levels in China.

He also suggested improving the structure of circuit courts and establishing judging teams with local characteristics to better handle all kinds of cases.