Marriage Disputes - Analysis of Typical Cases

Author: Zhang Shusen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: We still clearly remember the widespread attention the 2001 National People's Congress attracted when it amended the 1980 Marriage Law of the People's Republic of China. From the perspective of a legal professional, the Marriage Law might just be a branch of the Civil Code and far less important than a Criminal Code. However, for ordinary people, it could be the most important law. Because most of us are unlikely to commit crimes, but getting married and having children are choices made by the vast majority. Therefore, for the common folk, no law is as closely tied to daily life as the Marriage Law, which explains why its amendments would draw nationwide attention. Marriage is an ancient and eternal topic. When it comes to marriage, everyone can share some insights, yet it always feels somewhat unclear and indescribable. The renowned scholar Qian Zhongshu once described marriage as a "fortress," with those outside wanting to break in and those inside wanting to escape. Mr. Qian's incisive observation captures the desire for marriage but also the helplessness of being unable to sustain it. The philosopher Schopenhauer metaphorically compared married couples to "hedgehogs" seeking warmth from each other: too close and they might hurt each other, too far apart and they feel cold. Clearly, the masters believed that spouses should maintain a proper distance. But what is proper? The masters did not provide an answer. Thus, people still feel lost when it comes to marriage. This book selects 74 typical cases from numerous marriage cases, attempting to cover all aspects of the Marriage Law. Through case studies, readers can gain a comprehensive understanding of the spirit and content of China's Marriage Law.