Too Bad I Take Things Seriously

After a fierce defense lasting a total of six hours, the four key issues were debated back and forth by the plaintiff and the defendant numerous times. Ultimately, both parties had almost fully expressed their points of view and evidence.

CRACK—

Zhou Quanmin struck the gavel, marking the end of this most exciting, yet also most tedious, segment.

"Next, please, both the plaintiff and the defendant, proceed to your final statements."

As soon as the words fell, Yuan Cui Lian stood up from the plaintiff's side. She bowed deeply to Zhou Quanmin and the others, attempting one last effort.

"Respected Judgment Chief, judges, in this case, we are the victims. There is no greater pain in the world than the grief of losing a child, the white-haired sending off the black-haired."

"I only had this one son. All I want is to seek justice for him, to allow him to rest in peace beneath the Nine Springs."

"In this incident, my son might have been in the wrong in some aspect, but he is already dead; can't his faults be forgiven and forgotten?"

"This was a living, breathing life that they've taken. I implore the court to administer justice fairly and sentence the other party to bear both criminal and civil responsibilities!"

Having finished, she couldn't help but sob softly, whimpering quietly in the courtroom, an image of pitiful vulnerability.

Zhou Quanmin frowned slightly and looked toward Qin Mu, saying gravely, "Please, let the defendant make their final statement."

From the defendant's side, Qin Mu took a deep breath as he stood up resolutely. He was to make a collective statement on behalf of the other three. As this was a joint lawsuit, it wasn't necessary for each defendant to speak individually during the statement phase; a single representative could assert their rights.

"Respected Judgment Chief, judges. The four of us firmly believe our actions were without fault, and we should not bear any responsibility."

"In the previous evidence presentation phase, the opposing lawyer cited the judgment of the 'helping the elderly incident' from fifteen years ago to try to prove his claimed causality."

"In that incident, the local court made a decision and sentenced the party involved to pay compensation of over fifty thousand yuan."

Qin Mu then briefly recounted the sensational case from years past where a college student, upon finding an old man hit by a car, took him to the hospital. The driver responsible fled the scene, and the student… found himself sued by the old man's family and taken to court.

"The phrase, 'If you didn't hit him, why did you help him up?' spread far and wide."

"The well-intending college student was eventually ordered to pay over fifty thousand yuan in compensation."

"The court's decision at the time is still deeply etched in people's memories to this day."

"The judgment also contained the following line: 'If the defendant had truly been acting bravely for a just cause, a more realistic approach would have been to catch the one who knocked down the plaintiff, not merely to lend a helping hand.'"

"The decision was also based on causality, considering that the college student's handling of the situation was improper."

At this, Qin Mu couldn't help but laugh bitterly, proclaiming loudly, "It is exactly due to this series of events that people in today's society have become even more indifferent, content to let things be as long as they are not personally affected!"

"I really can't comprehend how the traditional virtue of respecting the old and loving the young could possibly lead to fines during its practice!"

"I believe everyone can feel how much colder our society has grown over these years!"

"Those who see injustice and step forward to intervene are becoming fewer and fewer!"

"As for this incident, after a chase of three kilometers, encountering over a thousand people, if only a few more enthusiastic citizens had intervened, the tragedy might not have occurred!"

"But the facts are as they are!"

"No one stood up!"

"But I believe the blood of this society… has not yet run cold!"

As he spoke, Qin Mu looked towards his companion, Liang Chengbin, sparing no praise.

"Liang Chengbin, an ordinary construction worker with a modest family background, didn't hesitate to lend a hand when strangers he'd never met faced danger."

"He may not have much education, may not comprehend laws or jurisprudence, and might not even have understood the situation at the time..."

"But he had a fervent heart, knowing to step forward and help others in times of crisis!"

"Moreover, passionate individuals like him are hardly rare!"

"Please, Judgment Chief and judges, consider carefully and be fair and just. Ensure that those who act bravely for a just cause have no reason to worry!"

His powerful words resonated in the courtroom for a long time. After Qin Mu finished speaking, the entire courtroom fell into a brief silence.

In the spectator seats, Zhang Qingyuan and others' eyes shone even brighter; they couldn't help but clap and cheer.

"Good! Xiao Qin spoke well!"

"Exactly! All that nonsense earlier—acting heroically, and I still have to worry about being sued? What kind of logic is that?!"

"I've lived nearly eighty years, and our ancestors never taught us such twisted reasoning!"

"If you are convicted, we'll appeal!"

"..."

Everyone was stirred, unable to contain themselves from shouting out loud. Qin Mu's words had truly struck a chord in their hearts.

As witnesses to the era, they knew all too well. Decades ago, this kind of thing would never have happened. The relatives of robbers would be ashamed, regretting having such a son, and would not have the nerve to sue anyone!

But now, the social climate has entirely changed. Yuan Cui Lian and the others, self-righteously convinced they were in the right, never thought they had done anything wrong. They clamored for justice. But the justice they sought was the greatest injustice to others!

CRACK—

From the bench, Zhou Quanmin looked deeply at Qin Mu and said in a deep voice, "Court is adjourned for one hour!"

After announcing the recess, he immediately took the members of the collegial panel into the conference room.

「In the conference room of the collegial panel.」

"Let's all share our views. How do we plan to handle this case?" Zhou Quanmin looked at the other four judges and two jurors, then spoke first, "I propose that the defendant bear no responsibility."

His personal stance was very clear. Qin Mu's recent words had indeed impacted him. The current social ethos had truly changed. Technology may have advanced, but it seemed humanity had regressed.

One of the judges quickly spoke up, knitting his brows, "I think bearing no responsibility at all is perhaps too cruel for the plaintiff? According to relevant civil laws, there should be at least some civil compensation."

"Before the trial, I also thought there should be civil compensation, as the law reflects fairness. But I think there are things more important than fairness now. Why should acting heroically cost money?"

"Exactly! This case has already drawn nationwide attention. If we sentence them to pay compensation again, the blow to society would be unimaginable!"

"To put it severely, this concerns the hope and future of our entire nation!"

"Could we take a middle ground? Exempt them from criminal responsibility, but for civil compensation, perhaps 10%?"

"..."

The collegial panel of seven members engaged in heated discussion. This process, part of the pre-judgment phase, would not be made public. The final judgment would be determined by majority rule and announced thereafter.

Each person presented their opinion. Three of them believed a compromise verdict was best, one that aimed for fairness to both sides by still pursuing civil compensation, albeit at a reduced amount.

However, Zhou Quanmin and the three others believed the case demanded a clear-cut stance. They felt it essential to demonstrate the judiciary's encouragement for acts of courage, ensuring the public wouldn't lose the motivation to act heroically.