BEIJING, Mar. 4 -- The Supreme People's Court was expected to review all cases involving the death penalty next year, taking back a right that had been left to higher courts for years, the Beijing News reported Wednesday.

A criminal law implemented in 1979 required the Supreme Court to review death penalties, but the power was given to higher courts in 1983 to impose speedier penalties.

The Supreme Court has been considering taking back the power since 1996, but hesitated because of a lack of staff and fear of a rise in crime, said the newspaper.

Last year, the Central Government issued guidelines on judicial reform, suggesting the Supreme Court take back the power to review the death penalty, the Beijing News said, quoting a source with the Supreme Court.

The Central Government and the Supreme Court had reached consensus that the power to review the death penalty must be taken back from lower courts, said the source.

The Central Government suggested the Supreme Court establish death penalty review courts.

"If everything goes smoothly, the Supreme Court will take back the power next year," said the source.

(Source: Shenzhen Daily)