BEIJING -- The top legislature on Tuesday voted to adopt revisions to the Judges Law and the Procurators Law as part of the country's efforts to advance judicial reform.

Lawmakers approved the revisions at the end of a four-day bimonthly session of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee.

The two laws are of great significance for consolidating the achievements of judicial reform as well as raising judicial quality, efficiency and credibility, said Wang Aili, an official with the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC's Standing Committee, at a press conference.

The laws have clearly required building a team loyal to the Party, the country, the people and the law, said Wang, adding that the boundaries of judicial responsibilities were also clarified.

The laws also stipulate tighter supervision over judges and procurators and give them more responsibilities such as keeping business secrets and private information. There will be legal consequences if they fail to do so.

In addition, the laws suggest making improvements in the selection and promotion of judges and procurators.

New judges and procurators must pass the national unified qualification exam for legal professionals and those who seek promotion to higher-level courts and procuratorates must have experience at the corresponding lower level judicial organs.

According to the two laws, judges should adjudicate based on facts and the law, guided by objectivity and impartiality. Procurators must strictly ensure that crimes are punished only under the law, and protect human rights. They must prosecute criminals while protecting the innocent from criminal prosecution.

Zhou Yuqing, an official with the political department of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, said the two laws had made a series of regulations to ensure judges and procurators exercise legitimate rights under supervision.

Personal protection will be provided to judges and their immediate family members when the judges face challenges due to carrying out their duties by law.

Improving safeguard mechanism for judicial professionals is an important institutional arrangement to enhance a sense of honor and ensure impartial performance for judges, said Chen Haiguang, an official with the political department of the Supreme People's Court.

The two laws will take effect from October 1.