Rule of law and rule by party can coexist, party scholar says
The rule of law does not conflict with the Communist Party's rule because the country's legal system was established by the ruling party, a mainland scholar says.
The rule of law does not conflict with the Communist Party's rule because the country's legal system was established by the ruling party, a mainland scholar says.
Central Party School professor Xie Chuntao delivered the assessment yesterday as the party started its fourth plenum, a closed-door gathering expected to underscore the rule of law and anti-corruption efforts.
The four-day meeting would debate a draft decision of the party's Central Committee on "major issues concerning comprehensively advancing the rule of law", Xinhua reported, citing sources close to the meeting. The gathering is expected to result in some measures to stop local governments influencing courts and to improve the professionalism of judges.
Addressing a journalists' forum, Xie said the crux of improving the legal system was to ensure officials at different levels were restrained by law.
He added that upholding the rule of law ran parallel with upholding party rule.
"The nation's legal system is established under the leadership of the Communist Party," he said. "Therefore the party should follow the legal system it has established. This is in itself an important demonstration of the party's leadership."
