The Supreme People's Court has officially launched its patrol system, sending 10 teams to various provinces to examine and monitor local courts.

These patrol teams will check the construction progress of the lower courts, and examine the implementation of parole and commuting sentences.

They will also look into practices of over-detaining of prisoners and delaying cases beyond the trial date deadline.

Vice-President of the Supreme People's Court, Cao Jianming, says the patrol system will detect problems at all levels of the court system in a timely manner and help the courts carry out their work.

(CRI October 11, 2004)