China is poised to unveil plans this week intended to restrict local government intervention on court cases, a highly anticipated move from both the local and foreign business sectors who hope the reforms would create a more impartial legal system, according to Reuters.

Details on the reforms are expected to go through the Communist Party's 370 Central Committee members during the annual plenum on Oct. 20 to 23. This year's plenum, which is geared toward the theme of "rule of law," comes amid the slowdown of the world's second-largest economy and increases the probability of more business-related disputes.

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The meeting's key agenda include the regulation of local government influence over the courts and to cultivate professionalism among judges and other legal personnel, state-owned media alleged.

To do this, China's judicial system must be restructured in a way that prevents local officials from influencing court decisions, a source with knowledge of the meeting told Reuters.

For years, Chinese-run private businesses and foreign firms have complained about the country's unjust legal system, citing difficulties in obtaining fair court hearings because the judges are too often easily swayed by party organs and local officials, who also have other interests in mind.

Some experts say the new measures are driven not only by allaying concerns about China's justice system but also by economic need.

Contracts and intellectual property are vital to economic growth and must be protected, said Li Shuguang of China University of Political Science and Law, noting the current system's flaws in giving the government too much leeway for it to abuse its authority.

The rule of law must be studiously practiced and enforced for it to have a positive effect on China's economy, Li added.

It must be noted however, that although the party may be looking to limit local government interference, it has given no indication it intends to establish a separate judiciary, nor will it hand over control for sensitive issues such as high-profile corruption cases.

TagsChinese legal system, Foreign investment in China