Too Bad I Take Things Seriously

"Upon reviewing the case, the court finds the facts to be clear and the evidence conclusive. Qin Mu and Liang Chengbin, while performing an act of righteousness, did not engage in excessive behaviors such as intimidation or threats. Xia Yuan's death resulted from his own assumption of risk and does not constitute gross negligence on the part of Qin Mu or Liang Chengbin.

In accordance with Article 233 of the Criminal Law, and Articles 183 and 184 of the Civil Code, the judgment is now rendered as follows:

All claims by the plaintiff, Yuan Cui Lian, are dismissed. The pursuit by Qin Mu, Liang Chengbin, and Bai Xuelan does not establish legal causation for Xia Yuan's death; therefore, they bear no criminal responsibility. As there was no gross negligence, they also bear no civil liability for compensation.

Furthermore, the pursuit by Qin Mu and Liang Chengbin was not illegal. As it was an act of righteousness, it should be supported and encouraged. Relevant authorities are to provide them with material and moral recognition and reward.

Additionally, pursuant to Article 263 of the Criminal Law, Xia Yuan committed robbery. The facts are clearly established, and the evidence is sufficient. Due to his death, he is not held criminally responsible. However, his family is ordered to compensate Bai Xuelan for mental distress, lost wages, and nutritional expenses, totaling 13,000 yuan.

Hua Li, whose motor vehicle caused Xia Yuan's death, is required to pay civil compensation of 8,000 yuan to Xia Yuan's family.

If you do not accept this judgment, you may, within ten days from the date of service of this judgment, request a retrial at this court or appeal to a higher court."

It took a full ten minutes for Zhou Quanmin to finish reading the judgment in this case. When he was done, he let out a long sigh of relief.

Just an hour earlier, the judicial panel had deliberated for a long time. Ultimately, this judgment was passed by a vote.

After the pronouncement of the judgment, the entire courtroom fell into a brief silence. Everyone was digesting the outcome.

On the defendants' bench, Liang Chengbin and the others swallowed nervously, not quite reacting at first.

"We... won," Zhang Wei grinned, a look of immense relief spreading across his face.

If he remembered correctly... this should be the first time in his career he'd won a case! Previously, the cases he took involved defendants accused of criminal offenses, and his work was focused on arguing for reduced sentences. This time... he had, against all odds, successfully defended the accused and proven their innocence! Moreover, the defendants in this case weren't hardened criminals. This filled him with an extraordinary sense of elation. Acts of righteousness... finally, no compensation to pay.

After digesting the judgment, Bai Xuelan blinked, hardly daring to believe. What does this mean? I... I can actually receive compensation?

It seems I can also receive some sort of material award... Liang Chengbin also instinctively turned toward Qin Mu and swallowed hard. The court's judgment... seemed to say that the relevant departments should give him material rewards, which undoubtedly meant money and such.

It seems I'm the only one who has to pay... Hua Li gave a wry smile, his expression somewhat complicated. He had been prepared to pay compensation; after all, he was the one who had struck Xia Yuan with his car. But... Qin Mu and the others were either receiving compensation or awards, while he was the only one who had to pay! It felt like the judgment was singling him out. However, 8,000 yuan in compensation was already very low. According to the apportionment of responsibility, he was bearing roughly 4% of the civil liability. In recent days, he had also inquired online about compensation for accidental traffic deaths; the highest amounts even exceeded a hundred thousand yuan.

"Dismissed? I still have to pay money? I refuse to accept this!" a shrill cry suddenly rang out.

On the plaintiff's bench, Yuan Cui Lian's eyes were bloodshot as she began to throw a tantrum.

"This is a human life we're talking about!

"My son is dead, and none of you take responsibility, just compensating 8,000 yuan?

"Not just you, but the court too—you're all too indifferent to life!

"Is a life so trivial in your eyes?

"Yes, my son stole something, but it was just a gold necklace! How much could it be worth? Is it as important as a life?!

"I'll compensate you with ten gold necklaces! Can you bring my son back to me?"

She was shouting hoarsely, angrily berating Qin Mu and Bai Xuelan. The 8,000 yuan mentioned in the judgment stung her deeply, leaving her heart cold and desolate.

Moreover, she was also ordered to pay Bai Xuelan 13,000 yuan for mental distress.

In stark contrast, the compensation for her son's life was less than the damages awarded for a living person's mental distress!

She absolutely could not accept this outcome!

Between what she had to pay out and what she received, she was actually losing 5,000 yuan. That wasn't even enough to cover her legal fees. Furthermore, since they had lost the case, she would also have to bear the other party's legal fees.

"Mom, let's keep appealing! If we can't win in Jin City, we'll go to the intermediate court!" Xia Qingqing quickly came forward from the audience gallery, supporting Yuan Cui Lian, her face a mask of fury.

She felt the reason they hadn't won in Jin City... was entirely the court's fault! And the people in Jin City... seemed to be biased towards Qin Mu. Local news comments were all accusing them, unable to distinguish right from wrong. Even though so many people online clearly supported their side!

"Mom, let's go! When we get home, we'll make a video! I'm going to expose this court's unjust verdict for everyone to see!"

She didn't even glance at the judgment document, tossing it aside. She then left the courtroom with the distraught Yuan Cui Lian.

Meanwhile, in the rest of the audience gallery, Zhang Qingyuan and others were exclaiming with satisfaction, their spirits greatly uplifted. They were all extremely pleased with this outcome.

Doing a good deed shouldn't come with such penalties.

In ancient times... such individuals would be hailed as great benefactors. To make a benefactor pay compensation? That was an act deserving of public condemnation!