Impartiality underscored in draft revisions to China's laws on judges, procurators

BEIJING -- Objectivity and impartiality were emphasized in the latest draft revisions to the Judges Law and the Procurators Law submitted to China's top legislature for review on Saturday.

According to the drafts, judges should adjudicate based on facts and the law, guided by objectivity and impartiality. Procurators should do the same.

Procurators must strictly ensure that crimes are punished only under the law, and protect human rights. They must prosecute criminals while protecting the innocent from criminal prosecution, the draft revisions say.

The two drafts are under their third readings at the ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

The emphasis on objectivity and impartiality was suggested after the drafts' second readings, as legal experts pointed to the importance of procurators to objectively collect evidence.

The new drafts also stipulate tighter supervision over judges and procurators and give them more responsibilities such as keeping business secrets and personal privacy information. There will be legal consequences if they fail to do so, according to the drafts.