China observes first Constitution Day

World Today

Students sign their names on a banner with the words “Constitution spirit” during an event to mark China’s first Constitution Day in a school in Binzhou city in east China’s Shandong province Thursday Dec. 4, 2014. China is marking its first Constitution Day as part of President Xi Jinping’s drive to show the country embraces rule of law while ensuring that ruling Communist Party holds on to its unrivaled authority. (AP Photo) CHINA OUT

Thursday marked China’s first Constitution Day which was created to heighten public awareness of the law. Various places across China have held activities to mark the day. Elementary and high school students participated in lectures on China’s constitution, while others watched movies, participated in mock court trials and law-related performances on stage.

The country’s top legislature announced the creation of Constitution Day on November 1. Prior to that, the initiative was put forward at a key meeting of the Communist Party of China in October on comprehensively advancing the rule of law. The day is meant to educate the public, but it is not a holiday where people cab take the day off.

CCTV America interviewed China expert Victor Gao to discuss the new Constitution Day.