China's Supreme Court explains marriage laws
( 2001-12-27 10:13 ) (8 )

China's Supreme People's Court Wednesday made some legal interpretations to the Marriage Law.

Cao Jianmin, vice president of the court, said at a press conference that a clear line has been drawn between how to use the provision that "any person already married is prohibited to cohabit with others" and how to deal with activities concerning bigamy and extramarital affairs.

The supreme court also gave legal interpretations to family violence mentioned in the Marriage Law, Cao said.

Couples who are not officially married but require a divorce shall apply for marriage registration, otherwise their relationship shall be treated as one of cohabitation and dealt with accordingly.

Cao said that the legal interpretations are made to protect the legitimate rights and benefits of married citizens, especially those of the common people and those of the innocent party in marriage relationships.