Making judiciary more efficient

An independent judiciary is representative of the rule of law and guarantees that the legal system functions efficiently. The Decisions on Major Issues Concerning Comprehensively Deepening Reforms, issued by the Third Plenary Session of the 18th Communist Party of China Central Committee, lists "ensuring independently and fairly exercising judicial and procuratorial power according to law" as one of the goals of the reforms, reflecting the importance the authorities attach to judicial independence.

Theoretically, judicial independence means external as well as internal independence. External independence means that judicature is independent of legislative authorities, administrative organs and other external bodies. Internal independence means exercise of jurisdiction and procuratorial powers independently according to law.

But in practical terms, such independence is often compromised by external and internal administrative intervention.