A nationwide criminal trial work conference is expected to be held by the end of this year to prepare for the reform.

    The Supreme People's Court and high courts at the provincial, municipal and autonomous region levels have already taken steps in preparation for the move.

    Starting in July, all appeals in death sentence cases were required to be heard in open session.

    In the past, provincial, municipal and autonomous region courts normally approved death sentences themselves after reviewing legal documents.

    The Supreme People's Court has also added three criminal tribunals to be in charge of death sentence reviews.

    Also on Friday, NPC Standing Committee members heard reports on discussions of a draft of the anti-money-laundering law, a draft revision to the property law and draft changes of an amendment to the Law on the Protection of Minors.

    The draft property law will be heard for the sixth time on Sunday during the ongoing session. It is expected to be reviewed again at the NPC Standing Committee's session in December.

    If everything goes smoothly, it is expected that the basic civil law will be voted on at the NPC's annual full session in March.

    The anti-money-laundering law will also be voted on Tuesday after a third discussion by top legislators this weekend.

    (Source: China Daily)