Let rule of law take root

To prevent the authorities from abusing the law, it is necessary to promote transparency in governance and allow ordinary citizens to supervise power. Sunshine is the best cure for corruption and an indispensable guarantee of the rule of law.

fawan.com, Oct 15

Much needs to be done to establish the rule of law in a society that had long been under the rule of man. Officials can abuse their power, while citizens dare not challenge their illegal behavior. Rooting the spirit of the rule of law in people's hearts will be a longer process than drafting laws on paper.

Wang Yukai, professor at the Chinese Academy of Governance, yicai.com, Oct 15

Various levels of people's congresses sometimes "entrust" their legislative power to government agencies. This has resulted in a number of unjust laws that protect the agencies' interests at the cost of people's rights. To promote the rule of law, such distorted practices must change first, and the absurdity of the same pair of hands holding both legislative power and administrative power must end.

Liu Junhai, professor of law at Renmin University of China, The Economic Observer, Oct 20

Efforts to promote the rule of law might fail without the protection of citizens' property. We learn that lesson from numerous violent demolitions of residents' houses. A complete system of property rights law must be established. Then the ordinary people, finding their rights protected, will support the rule of law from the heart.

hexun.com, Oct 20

President Xi Jinping emphasized obedience to the Constitution. But China has neither a constitutional court nor a constitutional review system. We expect the Fourth Plenum to be innovative and to discuss the possibility of such a system so that the Constitution will be truly respected. This is a prerequisite to the rule of law.

Jiao Hongchang, professor of law at China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing News, Oct 17