Interpretation of self-defense should reflect the spirit of law

Where to draw the line between justifiable self-defense and excesses committed in the name of self-defense often makes both prosecutors and judges indecisive, although the Criminal Law includes a clause that defines both.

That perhaps explains why the clause has been nicknamed "sleeping legal code". It has not been applied in many cases where it was needed the most to protect the rights of those who have caused injury to or even the death of the assailant.

Now the Supreme People's Court has released a document saying it will soon issue a detailed interpretation of the clause defining justifiable self-defense, which will make it clear how such cases should be dealt with.