The procuratorial organs still lack expertise and experiences in public interest litigation, a newly-conferred function by law, said an SPP statement.

 

As part of a five-year reform plan made public Tuesday, the SPP ordered procuratorates to give full play to the role of pre-suit procedure by smoothing communication with administrative agencies, offering procuratorial suggestions, and coordinating related parties for implementation.

 

Efforts should also be made to improve coordination among procuratorates, courts and administrative law enforcement organs, it reads.

 

The SPP plans to introduce platforms to better link public interest litigation with administrative law enforcement, and standardize methods of handling public interest litigation cases.

 

Meanwhile, the SPP will explore a mechanism for hiring or consulting experts from administrative agencies for prosecutors who are dealing with litigation cases involving environmental protection or food or drug safety.

 

China's top legislature passed the revised civil and administrative procedure laws in June 2017 to allow prosecutors nationwide to institute public interest litigation.

 

The reform aims to better protect the interests of the nation and the public, especially in the protection of the environment and resources, and food safety.