BEIJING -- A senior Chinese official on Monday urged local authorities to pay more attention to the development of people's juror system in a bid to promote democracy and fair justice.

Luo Gan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remark at a meeting held in Beijing.

"Introducing jurors to hearing cases has proved an effective way to help the public better understand judiciary procedures and a good method to improve supervision of judicial power," Luo said.

China established its juror system in 1954 and it was resumed in 1978 after being abolished during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976).

Luo also asked local legislatures to pay more attention to the selection and appointment of jurors.

"Local courts at all levels should also improve training of their jurors by cooperating with other related departments," he added.