Although Deng Yujiao was still found guilty, the judgment included various mitigating circumstances and lighter sentencing, resulting in an exemption from punishment.
This case had a significant impact on judicial practice.
It also had an extremely detrimental influence on social norms for the following decade or more.
This led many people, when facing unlawful infringements, to not dare fight back.
For instance, if someone slapped Zhang San, Zhang San wouldn't dare to retaliate.
Winning the fight meant it was considered affray. Both parties would be detained, and the winner would have to compensate the other's medical expenses.
If he lost, he would have to take another beating, and the aggressor wouldn't bear any criminal responsibility.
This clearly showed a reluctance to defend oneself.
When facing violent crimes, more people chose to swallow their anger, fearing that a single punch might kill the attacker, and then they would have to kneel and beg the attacker not to die.
