Nation moves to limit use of capital punishment

Amendments to the laws related to criminal affairs have gradually reduced the number of offenses punishable by death. Cao Yin reports.

Editor's note: This is the second in a series of stories reflecting China's achievements in fields such as science, law enforcement, education and transportation resulting from 40 years of the reform and opening-up policy. More stories will follow in the coming weeks.

In the 40 years since China adopted the reform and opening-up policy, the country has moved to gradually limit the use of the death penalty, a punishment that was once seen as a cornerstone in the fight to deter offenders and maintain public order.