Socialist rule of law
Expanding the scope of public interest litigation was part of the key Party meeting's decision that placed the adherence to and improvement of the socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics in a very important position.
Serious violations of the law, particularly with malicious intent or causing severe consequences, will be subject to harsher penalties including punitive fines, according to the Party decision.
The meeting called for more public education on the law to raise legal awareness and improved legal services for the people, such as arbitration, mediation, notarization and legal assistance. Officials at all levels will be ordered to take a leading role in respecting, learning and following the law and improve their capabilities to carry out reforms and resolve conflicts with legal thinking.