rule of law (file photo) Photo: VCG

China's Supreme People's Court released on Thursday the judicial interpretations to address disputes related to tort-liability issues in the Civil Code, including child trafficking and abduction, injuries caused by prohibited aggressive dog breeds, and harm caused by objects thrown or falling from heights. 

The judicial interpretations which will take effect on Friday, clarify responsibilities, settle disputes that have drawn widespread public attention, address new situations encountered in trial practice, and resolve disagreements requiring urgent action.

The judicial interpretations strengthen civil sanctions for child trafficking and abduction, as well as other torts that illegally separate wards from their guardians, and explicitly provide for compensation to cover the guardians' reasonable expenses incurred while searching for their wards, the People's Daily reported on Thursday. 

Incidents of aggressive dog breeds injuring people have occurred frequently in recent years. To regulate dog owners' behavior and ensure public safety, the judicial interpretations clearly state that dog keepers cannot be exempted from liability if prohibited aggressive dogs cause harm to others. 

In other words, if a prohibited aggressive dog injures someone, the owner must bear full responsibility, regardless of whether the victim was at fault.

Additionally, the judicial interpretations further clarify liability for falling objects, specifying that when harm is caused by objects thrown or falling from heights, the specific tortfeasor is primarily responsible, while property management companies that fail to take necessary safety measures bear secondary liability.

Global Times