Judge in Crane Fatality Case Accused of Cold-Blooded Remarks; Taipei District Court Reviewing Records

(CNA) Taipei, July 7 - The family of a woman killed by a crane lost their lawsuit in the first trial. Regarding accusations that the presiding judge made cold-blooded remarks, the Taipei District Court stated today that it has reviewed the relevant records for understanding. The court expressed deep regret and sympathy for the victim's unfortunate death and the pain endured by her family, emphasizing that the verdict does not negate the value of the victim's life.

The case originated when Ms. Tsai, while stopped at a red light on her motorcycle in June last year, was run over and killed by a crane driven by Mr. Lai. Mr. Lai later died, and Ms. Tsai's mother sued the crane company for NT$12 million in damages. In June, the Taipei District Court ruled against Ms. Tsai's mother. Ms. Tsai's mother then accused the judge of making cold-blooded remarks, drawing public attention.

The Taipei District Court issued a press release today stating that the traffic accident resulted in the loss of a young life, and the family has endured long-term, irreconcilable grief, for which the court expresses deep regret and sympathy. Regarding media reports that the judge's language during the hearing caused the family to feel re-traumatized, the court has reviewed the relevant records for understanding.

The Taipei District Court stated that public pronouncements of opinion, mediation attempts, or maintaining courtroom order during trials should consider the parties' circumstances and emotions. The court deeply regrets that some of the presiding judge's expressions during the public pronouncement of opinion and dialogue with Ms. Tsai's mother made her, who was grieving the loss of her daughter, feel misunderstood, even insulted or re-traumatized.

The Taipei District Court said it will use this case as a lesson to remind judges to conduct courtroom communication in a cautious, gentle, clear, and empathetic manner, so that judicial proceedings are not only conducted according to law but also make people feel respected.

The press release pointed out that the negligent driver, Mr. Lai, died before the indictment. Ms. Tsai's mother sought damages from the crane company and its legal representative. After reviewing the case, the presiding judge determined that the crane company should still bear employer liability. Regarding the various compensation amounts, the verdict separately judged items such as funeral expenses, support expenses, motorcycle damage, and emotional distress compensation based on the evidence in the case file and relevant legal requirements.

In terms of support expenses, civil law requires consideration of statutory conditions such as whether the support recipient is unable to maintain their livelihood. The verdict did not grant the claim for support expenses because it determined that the proof of relevant conditions was insufficient, not because it evaluated the victim's life by monetary value, and certainly not to negate the family's grief over the loss of their daughter.

The Taipei District Court stated that it understands the public's concern arising from the "denial of support expenses" that "human lives are not valued," and will continue to require colleagues to explain legal requirements in a clearer and more straightforward manner.

Regarding media reports that there was a discrepancy between the actual insurance amount received by the family and the NT$7 million stated in the verdict. The Taipei District Court said this issue involves the selection of evidence, whether the parties disputed it during the original trial, and the calculation of damages deductions. Ms. Tsai's mother has appealed the verdict. Based on judicial independence, the relevant factual determination and legal application should be reviewed and decided by the appellate court. The court respects the appeal process and the appellate court's judgment. (Editor: Li Shu-hua) 1150707

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