A 2006 HRW report observes rules issued in Henan province, Shenzhen, Shenyang, Zhengzhou. Curious about what cases are deemed so sensitive as to require interference, I performed a quick search for more local rules. Here's what I found:
The following are considered sensitive
- Mass cases involving enterprise ownership reform, acquisitions, auctioning (Zhejiang; Lishui - Zhejiang; Maojian - Hubei; Bengbu - Anhui; Shucheng district - Anhui)
- As above, but related to the transfer or requisition of land (Zhejiang; Lishui - Zhejiang; Maojian - Hubei; Bengbu - Anhui; Shucheng district - Anhui)
- As above: urban renovations and demolitions (Zhejiang; Lishui - Zhejiang; Shucheng district - Anhui)
- Bankruptcy cases (Maojian - Hubei; Shucheng district - Anhui)
- Layoff litigation (Maojian - Hubei)
- Cases related to the "opening up of new markets" (Maojian - Hubei)
- Cases related to major national, provincial or city-level projects (Bengbu - Anhui)
- Cases which could affect foreign investment projects (Bengbu - Anhui)
- Cases involving party-state personnel at the district (city, county) level and above (Zhejiang; Lishui - Zhejiang; Maojian - Hubei)
- Criminal cases involving state security (Zhejiang; Lishui - Zhejiang; Maojian - Hubei)
- Criminal cases involving so-called evil cults (Zhejiang; Lishui - Zhejiang; Bengbu - Anhui)
- Compensation and litigation cases involving prisons, RETL institutions and other organs for the administration of justice (Maojian - Hubei)
- Important cases involving foreigners (Zhejiang; Lishui - Zhejiang)
- Cases involving Macao or Hong Kong residents, or Taiwan citizens (Maojian - Hubei)
- Cases disturbing social harmony, stability etc. (Zhejiang; Shucheng district - Anhui)
- Cases that can lead to collective petitioning (Zhejiang)
- Organized crime cases (Lishui - Zhejian; Bengbu - Anhui)
- Major criminal cases in which a not-guilty plea is entered (Lishui - Zhejiang; Bengbu - Anhui; Shucheng district - Anhui)
- Cases reported by media at the city (county) level and above, in which there is disagreement between the parties' lawyers (Lishui - Zhejiang; Shucheng district - Anhui)
- Cases of illegal fundraising (Lishui - Zhejiang; Bengbu - Anhui; Shucheng district - Anhui)
The following activities by lawyers are considered sensitive:
- involvement in litigation as plaintiff or defendant (Zhejiang; Bengbu - Anhui)
- being subjected to summons or other coercive measures (Zhejiang)
- collaboration with non-Chinese legal practices (Zhejiang)
- interviews by foreign journalists (Zhejiang)
- involvement in activities taking place abroad (Zhejiang)
- contacts with foreigners (Bengbu - Anhui)

