Shenzhen introduces Good Samaritan law
New regulation will protect people who render assistance to those in need and deter dishonest 'victims' who see a chance for easy money
The mainland's first Good Samaritan law comes into effect today in Shenzhen, a fresh effort by the government to change public attitudes towards helping others .
The new laws absolve people who render assistance from any liability arising from their efforts, unless they clearly commit "major faults" in the process.
This exemption, along with the presumption of innocence and the shift of the burden of proof to the party making the claim, form the core principles of the new law, said Zhou Chengxin , the director of the Shenzhen Municipal Office of Legislative Affairs who drafted the law.
In the past, people who have received help have sometimes gone on to sue their rescuer, often in the hopes of winning damages, fuelling the perception that offering assistance is too risky.
But under the new law, people who are helped and believe their rights were violated in the process should collect evidence themselves if they wish to sue the other party. Free legal aid will be available to Good Samaritans who are sued.
The rescued party will be made to apologise or be punished if they lie about the circumstances of the rescue and falsely accuse the rescuer of causing damage. If fraud is discovered, the rescued party can be prosecuted and the conviction will be recorded in their credit history.
Witnesses who testify for the do-gooders who have been sued will receive rewards from related government departments.