In order to regulate the work in conducting technical investigations and assessments in cases related to new plant varieties and to improve the scientific, accurate and standardized handling of related technical issues, the Supreme People’s Court (SPC) has issued a new set of guidelines. 

Alongside the guidelines, the SPC has also released three typical cases concerning the work, covering issues including the relationship between molecular marker tests and field observation tests, the selection of reference samples, the substantive review of the evidentiary value of test reports, the conditions for initiating judicial appraisal when privately commissioned test reports are not accepted, and the review of expert opinions provided by test personnel in court.

The typical cases are intended to help judicial personnel gain a clearer understanding of how the relevant provisions of the guidelines are applied in practice.