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China moves to gives court judges more independence in bold reform move

Nation's top court lays out plan to give judges greater independence, starting with the removal of interference from local governments

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China's top court has unveiled a roadmap for its five-year reform plan to boost judicial independence, giving judges more authority in rulings by unleashing them from interference by local governments. Photo: AFP

China's top court has unveiled a roadmap for its five-year reform plan to boost judicial independence, giving judges more authority in rulings by unleashing them from interference by local governments.

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The reform was a top priority of President Xi Jinping's administration, senior judges said, as relieving the country's 200,000 judges from being virtual administrative cadres in the civil service would make it one of the boldest proposals in decades.

"The change is remarkable, as it will allow judges to focus strictly on trials, not administrative duties," said Zhang Yongjian, a senior judge at the Supreme People's Court.

"Being a judge is different to other jobs, as the court has more power and its rulings have a greater impact on people's lives."

He Xiaorong , director of the court's reform office, said yesterday in Jinan , Shandong , that the reform would address many deeper issues that have resulted in justice not being served.

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Provincial-level boards would be set up to appoint and promote judges, and a similar committee would monitor judicial conduct, He said.

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