Good Samaritans to be protected by law

Good Samaritans shall not be liable for damages caused to those being helped during emergency rescue efforts, the top legislature said.

The latest draft of the General Rules of Civil Law, which was submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for a third reading on Monday, added the clause, which is aimed at inspiring the public to be more morally conscious and states that good Samaritans should not bear civil responsibility for damages to those being helped, except in cases of gross negligence.

Wang Lei, an associate law professor at China Youth University of Political Studies, said: "The extra clause is to protect the civil rights of good Samaritans, reducing concerns about whether emergency actions may cause damages to others."