Prosecutors have pledged to safeguard the rights of lawyers to meet with their clients, have access to files and materials, and collect evidence.
The new Law on Lawyers takes effect on June 1, following an amendment to it passed by the National People's Congress Standing Committee in October.
The amendment says defense lawyers can meet with their clients after initial interrogation or other mandatory sanctions ordered by judicial bodies.
"Such rights are important for lawyers in criminal cases," said Zhang Geng, the executive deputy procurator-general of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, told a teleconference yesterday.
"Prosecutorial organs must grant lawyers those rights," Zhang said.
But in cases involving State secrets if a suspect requests a lawyer, prosecutors will consider the matter.
"If the suspect's request is refused, prosecutors must inform detention centers of the refusal, and the suspect will not be allowed to meet a lawyer," Zhang said.
The new law also emphasizes that conversations between lawyers and suspects cannot be monitored, and lawyers have the right to read all files and materials related to their case.
Lawyers can also collect evidence themselves or apply to prosecuting bodies and courts for help. Zhang said prosecutorial departments will also improve procedures in areas involving file applications, excerpts, and copying. Staff will be on hand to receive lawyers' visits for the reading of files and materials, he said.
Zhang called on all prosecutors to improve their detection and investigation skills during an initial interrogation, because after that the conversation between a suspect and his lawyer cannot be monitored.
When an interrogation is held, the questioning of witnesses and searches must take place simultaneously.
Zhang said prosecutorial staff must have solid proof of guilt or innocence in all crimes.
Qiu Baochang, dean of the Beijing-based Huijia Law Firm, said the new law and prosecutorial measures will reduce some obstacles and create a better environment for lawyers.
"Lawyers will be more keen to defend the rights and interests of defendants in criminal cases," Qiu told China Daily.
Questions:
1. When will the new Law on Lawyers take effect?
2. The new law emphasizes what two things?
3. Name two things that must happen simultaneously when an interrogation is held.
Answers:
1.June 1.
2.Conversations between lawyers and suspects cannot be monitored, and lawyers have the right to read all files and materials related to their case.
3.The questioning of witnesses and searches must take place.
（英语点津 Celene 编辑）
About the broadcaster:
Bernice Chan is a foreign expert at China Daily Website. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Bernice has written for newspapers and magazines in Hong Kong and most recently worked as a broadcaster for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, producing current affairs shows and documentaries
