Draft law published on legal aid

People who may face the death penalty or life imprisonment and do not seek attorneys are expected to have lawyers with at least three years of experience as their defenders, according to a draft law released on Monday.

According to the draft law, courts, procuratorates or public security departments are required to inform legal aid agencies to designate lawyers with more than three years of experience practicing to help defend those who may be sentenced to death or life imprisonment.

The requirement is also applied to defendants who are waiting for a decision of the Supreme People's Court, China's top court, on whether their death sentences are approved, the draft said.

The draft law on legal aid, which aims to better protect people's legitimate rights and uphold justice, was submitted to the session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislative body, on Monday for a second review.

It had been first reviewed among lawmakers in January. In general, a draft will become a law after being deliberated by the top legislature three times.