Top court extends justice to Shenzhen

China's top court set up its first circuit court in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, on Wednesday in an effort to push forward the country's judicial reforms.

The circuit court, which started operation on Monday, represents China's Supreme People's Court and will hear administrative, civil and commercial cases from Guangdong and Hainan provinces and the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, said Sun Jungong, the top court's spokesman.

"The circuit court will ensure justice when dealing with critical cross-regional cases. ... It also provides convenience for local citizens to lodge appeals," Sun said.

The top court assigned a vice-minister-level president, a vice-president, an integrity monitor and nine presiding judges to the first circuit court.

Presiding judges are required to rotate after two years of service - an anti-corruption measure designed to cut the connection with local interests.

The top court will set up a second circuit court in Shenyang, Liaoning province, to serve the important industrial base of North China.

chenhong@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 01/29/2015 page4)