Chapter 142
Chapter 142
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 142
Chapter Title: The Final Verdict
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The final verdict.
Judge Kim Gwang-taek surveyed the boiling gallery and the plaintiff and defendant benches before speaking slowly.
"I shall now deliver the verdict for case number 67890, the damages claim."
As the judge began, Kang Hyun's mind flashed to several faces.
People from the school, Dean Kim Jong-hwan, Gong Hyun-jeong, Park Min-ha, Song Ha-dong.
The end of this trial might just be the end of this battle.
A small-claims damages suit, and a relatively everyday case at that. A fight that had been utterly unfavorable to Kang Hyun's side.
On top of that, Kang Hyun had to battle a formidable foe backed by the full might of the Law Center led by Gong Hyun-jeong.
His heart hadn't been light through it all.
The future of Korea University's Legal Clinic hung in the balance, as did whether he could pave the way for his juniors. There was also the question of whether he could console the grief and frustration of the plaintiff, Kwon Yong-sik.
The pressure hadn't been insignificant.
Moreover, the defense boasted no less than two lawyers from Daesan.
They were strong. Unassailable on the issue of fault ratios, and consistent in arguing that the defendant bore no responsibility for emotional damages.
The opposing side, which had conceded at most to a few hundred thousand won in compensation, made it no easy task for Kang Hyun's side to demand over ten million won.
Under normal judgment, it wouldn't have gone this way.
But Kang Hyun had made a decision unlike ordinary people and pushed through to the end.
He'd mobilized every conceivable tactic, fighting with bizarre maneuvers and ironclad logic to drag the battle this far.
Now, only the decision remained.
"In this case, the plaintiff claims 3.57 million won in property damages for veterinary costs for the companion dog, but the defendant argues that the market value of the plaintiff's dog is impossible to appraise due to its lack of worth, and thus no property damages are payable."
Kwon Yong-sik's clenched fist trembled. Kang Hyun gave it a gentle squeeze.
"The defendant bears responsibility for compensating the damages suffered by the plaintiff due to this accident. However, given that the plaintiff failed in his duty to care for the dog in question, this shall be factored into the calculation of damages, limiting the defendant's liability to 60 percent."
Kang Hyun's mind raced.
First off, acknowledging the defendant's liability was good news.
The judge's fault ratio came out to about 6:4. But this had been anticipated.
Even at 60 percent, if the legal status of animals remained confined to "objects" under the Civil Code, it would all mean nothing.
If Kang Hyun's strategy succeeded, Kwon Yong-sik would receive around 2 million won in compensation—but if it failed, not a penny.
"Regarding solatium, the plaintiff claims 7 million won in emotional distress damages, while the defendant contends that, considering the circumstances of the incident and the extent of the dog's injuries, any emotional harm has been sufficiently recovered, and thus no payment is due."
Gulp.
The defense lawyers swallowed hard in tension; the sound carried.
Here, the maximum was 7 million won, or over 5 million depending on the ratio—or nothing at all.
Squeeze.
Kang Hyun's grip tightened.
Everything hinged on the next ruling.
The judge took a deep breath and paused. Tension gripped the courtroom.
This was the decisive moment that would determine victory or defeat.
"On the legal status of animals: absent special circumstances, they are treated as 'objects' under Article 98 of the Civil Code, and liability for damage to an object is limited to restoration costs.
However, in this case, the plaintiff's companion dog 'Latte' shares a special emotional bond and affection with the plaintiff. Given its irreplaceability and the impossibility of full restoration, expending treatment costs exceeding market value does not defy societal norms. Nor can it be assumed that the defendant was unaware that injuring a companion dog in a traffic accident would cause the plaintiff emotional suffering."
The claim that 'Latte' in this case formed a special relationship—that it could be interpreted as more than a mere 'object,' but a 'special entity'—had prevailed.
Across all precedents in Kang Hyun's mental database, this had never happened before.
Something monumental was unfolding.
'Yes!'
Kang Hyun cheered inwardly. An even greater outcome than expected was imminent. The tide was turning firmly toward the plaintiff.
The defense lawyers darkened rapidly, eyeing the sinking ship. The defendant just stared blankly, clueless.
"Under this judgment, the plaintiff's property damages amount to 2,142,000 won of the 3.57 million won in veterinary costs, which the defendant is obligated to pay."
The moment property damages were calculated not by the dog's 'market value' but simply as '60 percent of total treatment costs.'
This was the kind of ruling applied when treating a companion dog nearly as a 'person.'
Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
The audience finally grasped the court's judgment, their voices rising. Undeterred by the commotion, Judge Kim Gwang-taek pressed on.
"For solatium, considering the emotional suffering from the dog's injuries, 5 million won is awarded. Accordingly, the court rules as follows."
5 million won in solatium.
A judgment worlds apart from the property damages ruling—and utterly shocking.
"Whoa, insane!"
It was jaw-dropping, in a word. Someone in the gallery shouted.
For the first time in history, emotional distress damages for injury to a companion dog had been recognized.
"Order."
Kang Hyun's mouth fell open unconsciously at the judge's final words.
"The defendant shall pay the plaintiff 7,142,000 won."
'Yes!'
Exhilaration crashed over Kang Hyun like a wave, pounding his head.
A landslide victory, undeniable by anyone.
The court had awarded the plaintiff not just 60 percent of treatment costs—2,142,000 won—but an additional 5 million won in emotional distress damages.
Cases awarding solatium were exceedingly rare, and treatment costs were almost never fully covered due to a dog's assessed value.
Kang Hyun had turned this case completely on its head.
"Crazy!"
"How is this possible?"
Chaos erupted among the crowd. The judge swiftly exited, and Kang Hyun and Kwon Yong-sik locked eyes.
Clatter!
Reporters bolted toward the designated press area outside, eager to catch even a word from Kang Hyun when he emerged.
"How did this...?"
Kang Hyun helped the still-dazed Kwon Yong-sik to his feet.
"Mr. Kwon Yong-sik."
"Yes?"
"We won! We did it. We didn't get the full ten million, but around seven million won."
"Seven million to us? For real?"
"Yes."
"No way! Really!"
His face shifted from joyous outburst to tearful in an instant.
"Sob sob! Thank you! Thank you so much!"
Kwon Yong-sik bowed repeatedly. His wife from the gallery, clutching little Latte, rushed over.
"You're our family's savior. Thank you for easing our heartache. We'll never forget this kindness, not even in death."
"Woof!"
Compared to their shock and sorrow, it was a pittance; by legal standards, an exorbitant sum.
This gap between individuals and the law had wounded the Kwon family deeply. But this outcome would help them steel their hearts and break free from grief.
Kang Hyun nodded with satisfaction, smiling faintly as he headed for the courtroom doors.
Click! Screech!
"Hey! He's out!"
"Kang Hyun's here!"
"Line up properly!"
Flash! Flash!
As the doors opened, a horde of reporters and onlookers came into view, lying in wait.
All that remained for Kang Hyun was to face the barrage of flashing cameras head-on.
His first victory as counsel.
An overwhelming triumph that would rewrite precedents—and etch itself indelibly in the memories of Kang Hyun and everyone involved for life.
A few weeks after the trial,
At school.
'I never imagined it'd blow up this big.'
Kang Hyun hadn't anticipated the verdict's massive ripple effects.
It was pandemonium, plain and simple.
The legal world erupted into fierce debates over the 'legal status of animals.'
Korea University's Law Center issued a statement and entered a period of internal adjustments.
Officially, their legal consultation desk remained open, but they were too busy shielding themselves from waves of criticism and condemnation from students and the public to avoid massive operational gaps.
Proper consultations became nearly impossible amid staff reductions, and civilians naturally stopped visiting.
In short, it was open but shuttered.
Gong Hyun-jeong had gone into hiding. Rumors swirled that she'd vanished, but it turned out she was simply shifting focus to Ministry of Justice projects.
A retreat from her defeat at Kang Hyun's hands, in a word.
Korea University Total Student Council President's Office.
Late afternoon, as the sun began to set.
Kang Hyun and Lee Myung-hwan sat facing each other.
"The budget committee notification came."
Thump thump.
A few days after the Korea University Budget and Settlement Committee meeting concluded.
Kang Hyun had been an attendee but chose not to participate, as the planner and proposer of the 'Legal Clinic' initiative.
A tough call, but one aligned with the 'Legal Clinic' goals he was championing.
The goal of the Legal Clinic.
'Self-reliance.'
An organization uninfluenced by anyone, capable of wielding real power functionally.
It couldn't fall under Gong Hyun-jeong's sway—or Kang Hyun's, for that matter.
The Legal Clinic had to remain an entity supported by students, young professors, and legal luminaries like Song Ha-dong, aiding the underprivileged.
And within it, a 'training ground for aspiring lawyers' where young people could nurture their dreams.
"Shall we open it?"
"Yeah."
"I'll look first?"
Lee Myung-hwan's voice was tense.
No matter how confident in the outcome, seeing the results was always nerve-wracking.
At Kang Hyun's nod, Lee Myung-hwan tore open the envelope and checked.
"..."
"What's the result?"
"Kang Hyun."
"Yeah?"
"It passed!"
"Whoa! For real?"
Kang Hyun's face lit up, the relief like clearing long-stuck phlegm. He jumped up and hugged Lee Myung-hwan fiercely.
"We did it!"
"This actually worked. They're starting with operational coordination with the Law Center."
"Yeah. Now we just prepare well, and it'll yield great results."
"Leaving a great gift before graduating. Congrats, Kang Hyun."
"Thanks, Myung-hwan."
It hadn't been easy for Kang Hyun to envision 'opening new paths for university juniors.'
He was still young, with a long and arduous road ahead.
But at this point,
Kang Hyun could admit he'd outgrown what Korea University had to teach.
A stellar law student who had leaped several strides beyond.
Amid the joy of everything resolving perfectly.
Knock knock.
A knock from outside.
-Are you in?
Kang Hyun tilted his head. Late afternoon now—who would visit the student council president's office at this hour?
'Who?'
But the mystery cleared quickly. An unexpected visitor no one would have anticipated.
-It's Professor Park Min-ha. Is student Kang Hyun there?