China Eyes Nongovernmental Law Advisory System for GovernmentsChinese judicial officials extended their concerns Thursday about the establishment of a non-governmental law advisory system for governments at various levels.Du Zhaoqing, head of the Judicial Department of northeast China's Jilin Province, gave a presentation on building such a legal advisory network in the province at a national conference which was attended by heads of provincial-level judicial departments and concluded here Thursday. The law advisory bodies of various governments, each consisting of two to 10 law experts and outstanding lawyers, mainly provide legal advice for government departments and deal with cases related to these departments. The legal advisory group of the Jilin Provincial Government has attended various meetings held by the government, dealt with 182 cases related to government departments since its founding in April 1999, Du said. Du pointed out that the legal advisory group is very helpful in the policymaking of the government departments, to strengthening the public servants' awareness about law as well as facilitating the drive of administering the laws. The province has also laid down some disciplines for the members of the advisory groups, which include: public servants are not allowed to join the group; group members are forbidden to make use of the convenience of contacting government departments to seek personal profit; they are also not allowed to print the title of "governmental legal advisor" on their name cards. Judicial experts think it is a good idea and that the legal advisory system for various governments will play a more important role in the drive of administering the country according to law. |
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