an attempt to conceal evidence; (vi> if his identity was not established or was acting suspiciously; or (vii) if he was guilty of disorderly and violent behaviour or of undermining work, production or the social order. No provision for amnesty existed under the criminal law, but such provision did exist under the Constitution. 18. Regarding the issue of capital punishment, the need for capital punishment was determined by the overall social and political situation and the need to combat crime, and by the wishes of the population as a whole. If a criminal minority went unpunished, then public order could not be guaranteed and basic rights could not be ensured. In the light of those considerations, the provision for capital punishment was retained. However, its application was extremely limited in scope. The death sentence was applicable only to the most serious cases. Where the death sentence was not immediately implemented, the sentence could be suspended for two years. If, within that period, the criminal showed himself repentant or of exemplary conduct, the sentence might be reduced to 15 to 20 years. The sentence was not carried out in the case of persons under 18 years of age or pregnant women. The Government considered it important to safeguard its citizens' right to life, and had thus always opposed summary or arbitrary sentences. Provision existed in the Constitution and the Criminal Procedure Law to prevent such occurrences. Under the Criminal Procedure Law, a suspect must first be tried before the middle-level people's court, then before the higher people's court. Provincial cases must be tried first before the higher people's court, then before the Supreme People's Court. National cases were tried at the Supreme People's Court, where a verdict was reached. To avoid the inappropriate use of capital punishment, the Criminal Procedure Law provided for a checking procedure 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the criminal justice system and the laws related to punishment, including capital punishment. It mentions the need to combat crime and ensure public order, which suggests that the focus is on maintaining social stability rather than economic development or natural resources. The text also highlights the importance of protecting citizens' rights, particularly the right to life, which is a fundamental human right.

**Category**
Law, Justice