Core Viewpoint - The Supreme People's Court has released a third batch of typical cases related to bride price disputes to standardize judicial practices and respond to new issues in judicial practice [1] Group 1: Key Points of Typical Cases - The court recognizes that payments made for housing or vehicles with the intention of marriage can be treated as bride price and handled according to relevant rules [2] - Bride price varies by region, and courts should consider local customs, payment purposes, and the value of the property when determining the scope of bride price [2] - In a case involving a car payment, the court ruled that the payment was made with the intention of marriage and thus had the nature of bride price, leading to a partial refund decision [3][9] Group 2: Distinction Between Expenditures - The court emphasizes the need to distinguish between consumer expenditures and bride price payments, stating that small gifts given on special occasions or for emotional expression do not constitute bride price [4] - In a case where one party sought to reclaim daily expenses during cohabitation, the court ruled that these payments were for shared living costs and not bride price [4][14] Group 3: Judicial Attitude on Financial Claims - The court reiterates its stance against obtaining financial benefits through marriage, emphasizing that any such actions may lead to criminal liability [4] - In a case where a couple married after a brief acquaintance, the court supported the request for divorce and the return of bride price due to the lack of established marital relations [5][22] Group 4: Criminal Implications - The court found that a party involved in multiple bride price disputes was engaged in fraudulent activities, leading to criminal charges and restitution of funds [5][26] - The ruling highlights that individuals who deceive others under the guise of marriage for financial gain will face both civil and criminal consequences [5][28] Group 5: Social Implications - The promotion of governance against high bride prices is seen as essential for fostering good family values and societal norms [6]

Core Viewpoint - The Supreme People's Court has clarified the conditions under which bride price (彩礼) should be returned, emphasizing that payments made for housing or vehicles with the intention of marriage can be treated as bride price and subject to relevant judicial rules [1] Summary by Relevant Sections Legal Clarifications - The court ruled that payments made for housing and vehicles intended for marriage can be classified as bride price and handled according to established rules [1] - In a case involving a car purchase, the court determined that the payment was made with the intention of marriage, thus qualifying as bride price, and ordered a partial return based on various factors [1] Regional Variations - The Supreme Court noted that bride price has regional characteristics, with different types and amounts varying by locality [1] - Courts should consider the purpose of the payment, local customs, timing, method of payment, and the value of the property involved when determining the scope of bride price [1] Cases Involving Cohabitation - In a case where a couple lived together for four years and had a child without formal marriage registration, the court ruled against the return of bride price, highlighting the importance of shared life and child-rearing contributions [1] - The ruling emphasized that the court would not mechanically apply the rule of return for unregistered marriages but would consider the duration of cohabitation, childbearing, and the use of bride price as key factors [1] Judicial Attitude - The Supreme Court reiterated its stance against the practice of demanding high financial returns under the guise of marriage and distinguished between consumptive expenditures and bride price payments [1] - The court aims to promote family and social civility through fair adjudication and will continue to enhance the resolution of disputes in marriage and family matters [1]