The Supreme People’s Court (SPC) holds a meeting at the National Judges College on May 15, during which 40 specially appointed consultants are appointed. Zhang Jun, president of the SPC, attended the meeting and delivered a speech. [Photo/court.gov.cn]

The Supreme People’s Court (SPC) held a meeting at the National Judges College on May 15 to appoints 40 special consultants to its sixth panel.

Addressing the meeting, Zhang Jun, president of the SPC, emphasized the importance to fully leverage the role of the system of specially appointed consultants to serve the overall development of the country and promote justice for the people.

Some of the specially appointed consultants speak at the meeting. [Photo/court.gov.cn]

Since its establishment, the specially invited consultants system has played a significant role in offering suggestions and promoting legal education, facilitating public engagement with the work of the people's courts. The legal consultants have effectively participated in and supported judicial efforts while also providing oversight. 

The newly-appointed consultants offered their insights on further promoting the development of rule of law and improving judicial adjudication work to serve the country’s modernization drive at the meeting.

Zhang reviewed the progress of China's rule of law in recent years, outlined the work of courts as well as the challenges and difficulties they face. 

He stressed the need to actively engage with the consultants for suggestions to address institutional barriers that impede impartial justice. 

Zhang said that institutional safeguards should be strengthened at courts nationwide to facilitate specially appointed consultants to participate in work planning, case handling and research activities. 

He also called for uncovering root issues in judicial and law enforcement work by using the specially appointed consultants' suggestions and opinions and making rectification accordingly.

Leading officials from various departments of the Supreme People’s Court attend the meeting. [Photo/court.gov.cn]