The Supreme People’s Court (the “SPC”) promulgated the Opinions on Providing Judicial Protection for the Construction of the Pilot Free Trade Zone (the “Opinions”). The Opinions were drafted by the SPC based on a special research study entitled, A Study on Judicial Protection and Related Legal Issues Concerning the China (Shanghai) Free Trade Zone, after field surveys and solicitation of opinions from experts and various local courts.

   The Opinions incorporate 12 articles that primarily cover the following four subjects:

   (1) The criminal, civil and administrative adjudicatory functions (of the courts) should be appropriately exercised;

   (2) Innovations of enterprises within the pilot free trade zone should be supported, and exploration of new business models should be encouraged in accordance with the law;

   (3) Reform and innovation in trial procedures should be explored; and

   (4) Emphasis should be placed on summarizing trial experience, and forward-looking research work should be strengthened.

   The Opinions aim to assert the SPC’s role in guiding services and unifying, understanding and updating trial philosophy, so as to realistically support the various reform measures implemented within the pilot free trade zone and to resolve urgent and universal problems occurring in judicial supervision of the pilot free trade zones.

   For the full text of the Opinions, please click on the following URL:

    http://www.chinacourt.org/law/detail/2016/12/id/149055.shtml

Via www.court.gov.cn