Court clarifies interpretations around issues of 'bride price'

Chinese cultural marriage practice can often lead to disputes between families

Legal experts have lauded a new judicial interpretation on "bride price" — a sum of money or quantity of goods given to a bride's family by the groom — calling it a strong response to public concern and conducive to solving disputes.

The document, issued on Thursday by the Supreme People's Court, China's top court, clarifies the scope of betrothal gifts and specifies circumstances in which they should be returned, and prohibits asking for money or other possessions in the name of gifts.

The experts highlighted the necessity of the interpretation, which will take effect on Feb 1, saying that it will help curb the bride price from developing into a face-saving activity that can place a big financial burden on families.