Laws of the People's Republic of China

In the interest of developing socialist democracy and improving the socialist legal system, it is necessary to place the law in the hands of the masses of people so that they will know what the law is, abide by the law, acquire a sense of legality and learn to use the law as a weapon against all acts committed in violation of the Constitution and the law. This will contribute towards safeguarding the lawful rights and interests of citizens and ensuring the enforcement of the Constitution and the law. A major effort to publicize the legal system and popularize basic knowledge of law among citizens is of great significance to the consolidation of the socialist legal system, the ensurance of long-term stability in the country, the promotion of material and cultural progress in our socialist society, and the realization of our country's objectives and general task in the new period. The 13th Meeting of the Standing Committee of the Sixth National People's Congress takes the view that the draft resolution submitted by the State Council concerning the popularization of basic knowledge of law among citizens is very important and timely, and resolves as follows:

1. Beginning in 1986, a programme of education aimed at popularizing basic knowledge of law among all citizens capable of understanding them shall be carried out in well-planned steps over a period of about five years. Such education shall gradually be institutionalized and regularized.

2. The popularization of basic knowledge of law is intended, first and foremost, for cadres at all levels and for young people. In particular, leading cadres at all levels shall set examples for studying the laws, understanding them and acting by them.

3. The popularization of basic knowledge of law shall focus on the Constitution and cover the essentials of the basic laws, such as those of civil and criminal law and the law concerning the structure of the state, as well as basic knowledge of laws which have much to do with the vast numbers of cadres and people. Different departments shall devote more attention to basic knowledge of the laws pertinent to their respective pursuits, and in various regions pertinent laws may be chosen for study according to the needs.

4. Schools are important places for popularizing basic knowledge of law. Universities, secondary schools, primary schools and schools belonging to various other categories shall all offer courses for legal education or incorporate such education in related courses, include both in the curriculum, and combine legal education with moral and ideological-political education.

5. It is necessary to write or compile concise and popular readers on basic knowledge of law to conduct publicity and education for the popularization of such knowledge, by closely linking it with reality and employing a variety of forms. Such education shall be conducted in an accurate, popular, vivid and wholesome way. Solid work must be stressed in order to achieve good results and avoid a formalistic way of doing things.

6. The popularization of basic knowledge of law shall be conducted under the leadership of the Communist Party of China and by setting in motion and relying upon the forces of society as a whole. All state organs, armed forces, political parties and public organizations, enterprises and institutions shall earnestly educate the citizens in their respective organizations and establishments for the popularization of basic knowledge of law. Newspapers and periodicals, news agencies, radio and television stations, publishing houses and institutions in the field of literature and art shall all take up the publicity and education on legality and popularization of basic knowledge of law as an important regular task. The standing committees of the local people's congresses and the local people's governments at all levels shall provide competent leadership for the implementation of this resolution by working out a realistic and feasible plan and taking effective measures to carry it out earnestly.