'Killer litter' could lead to homicide charges: Supreme Court

Policemen made investigates in a Beijing community afte an old man was killed by a window guardrail from a high-rise. (File photo/Beijing News)

China's Supreme People's Court has released a guideline on trials involving killer litter, objects thrown or falling from high-rise buildings that endanger people below.

China has seen a growing number of cases where people and property are jeopardized by objects thrown or falling from skyscrapers, according to the guideline.

Different approaches need to be taken in civil and criminal cases with full consideration given to the motivation and damage caused by those held responsible, it noted.

Those who intentionally throw objects from high-rise buildings could face criminal charges ranging from "endangering public security using dangerous methods" to "intentional injury" and "intentional homicide."

In civil trials, courts are urged to hold property management companies liable if they fail to fulfil their legal or contracted responsibilities.

To improve the protection of people and their property, courts will also work closely with police or government departments to prevent objects falling or being thrown from high buildings, the guideline concludes.