China adopts tort law

BEIJING, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislature approved the Tort Law Saturday, after four readings since 2002.

The 92-provision law covers liabilities for a range of circumstances, including traffic accidents, medical accidents, work-related injuries, pollution, harm caused by other people's pets and mental distress.

It also covers infringements of personal rights, such as name, reputation, portrait and privacy.

The law, with equal importance with another civil rights law, the Property Law, was endorsed by the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee. It takes effect next July.