For example, last year, the court used its online mediation platform to resolve a dispute over the renting of an apartment between two litigants overseas, one living in Australia and the other in Sweden, he said.

"The application of technology makes our court smart, which gives people easier access to litigation and also improves our judicial efficiency," he said, adding that he regarded this as the biggest step in the progress of rule of law last year.

Ruan Chuansheng, a lawyer in Shanghai, said that his right to meet and defend clients has been better guaranteed in the city in recent years, and the code is the best way for judicial authorities, including prison management bureaus and justice departments, to implement the Thought.

"It contributes to both protecting the rights of lawyers, such as myself, suspects and defendants," he said. "The protection shows that the authorities take a people-centered approach to their work, and that will help the country develop into a law-based nation."

In the future, Qin said he will focus more on solving problems in new fields, including internet healthcare provision, livestreaming platforms, big data and privacy protection.

"I hope to regulate the industries while meeting litigants' demands by making more high-quality verdicts," he said.