Tort Law and its Effects on Modern Chinese Society

Abstract

This paper takes a detailed look at the tort principles used in China and compares them to their American counterparts. The emergence of the Tort Liability Law of the People’s Republic of China, which went into effect in July 2010, has been an important and necessary milestone in China’s legal development, especially in the area of civil law. China is a land defined by many cultural, historical and societal constructs that vary immensely from its Western counterparts, and much of these differences have woven itself into the creation, evolution and practical applications of its legal principles and doctrines. The new tort law will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on Chinese society and invariably influence the way Chinese citizens behave in everyday life, as extra emphasis and clarification will be placed on their societal duties and legal liabilities owed towards fellow citizens.