Chapter 777: Chapter 277: You Have Already Violated the Sacred and Great Donation Agreement_3
"The content of this meeting mainly includes the following points:
First, clarify the scope of jurisdiction applicable to this lawsuit;
Second, identify those who should recuse themselves from this lawsuit;
Third, decide whether the next stage of trial should commence in this lawsuit;
Fourth, determine whether to introduce a jury for this lawsuit;
Fifth, assess whether there is a more reasonable solution for this lawsuit..."
He looked at the people on both sides and slowly began to speak, listing the items the meeting would cover.
Zhang Qingyuan and Feng Cuihua were completely lost, their faces a mask of confusion, as if they were listening to gibberish.
"What is this nonsense? If you don’t speak Mandarin, how can I understand? Can someone provide a translator?" He swallowed hard, somewhat speechless.
It was not until the pre-trial conference that he realized the problem at hand: they couldn’t understand the language!
So, it was possible to attend a court hearing without understanding a thing!
Feng Cuihua, too, widened her eyes and exchanged baffled looks with Zhang Qingyuan. Obviously, she hadn’t understood a single word the judge had just said.
"AHEM, let me translate for you," said Chen Tiankuo, who was seated nearby. He promptly whispered to them, translating the judge’s words.
In truth, there normally would be interpreters present during such proceedings. However, Zhang Qingyuan and Feng Cuihua had forgotten about the necessity of interpreters and had not requested any to be present. Therefore, the court had not arranged for any.
Meanwhile, at the lawyers’ bench, Qin Mu glanced at Chen Tiankuo, who had voluntarily taken on the task of translating, and shot him a grateful look. Before coming abroad, he had made sure to study the language of this country. Although he was not yet fluent in communication, he could basically understand what people were saying.
"Now, let us discuss the first item on the agenda," the judge said in a solemn voice, proceeding directly to the first topic: the dispute over jurisdiction.
This case involved questions of nationality and also concerned disputes under international law. It was essential to clarify this before moving on to the next phase of the trial.
Soon, the court began to list the relevant legal provisions one by one, clarifying the matter of jurisdiction for the case. "According to international principles, this case is subject to territorial precedence, meaning that if the case occurred in this country, it will be given priority by the courts of this country," the judge continued.
At the lawyers’ bench, Qin Mu listened intently, nodding in agreement.
This case... he had actually wanted to extradite it back to his own country, but since the incident happened abroad, the jurisdiction lay with the foreign court. Extradition wasn’t a straightforward option.
Unless Zhang Qingyuan and Feng Cuihua possessed diplomatic immunity.
Diplomatic immunity refers to the privileges and courtesies enjoyed by diplomatic envoys from their own country posted abroad under special circumstances. Countries extend these courtesies to each other based on reciprocity, respecting sovereignty and mutual benefits. This is done to ensure and facilitate the normal performance of duties, following customary practice or agreements. Even if crimes are committed abroad, the host country has no authority to deal with individuals who enjoy diplomatic immunity. The evidence of their crimes must be handed over to their own country for the trial to be conducted there.
This represents, to a certain extent, the dignity of a nation.
But for ordinary people like Zhang Qingyuan and Feng Cuihua, diplomatic immunity was out of reach. Therefore, the trial had to be conducted abroad; there was no way to transfer it back home.
Of course, if feasible, Zhang Qingyuan could simply not respond to the lawsuit and return home directly. Even if a judgment was made, once he was back in his home country, the judgment would have no effect on him. However, during the duration of the case, he wouldn’t be able to purchase a plane ticket or leave the local area.
"Now, let’s move on to the second item. Both the plaintiff and the defendant please pay attention. Is there anyone present at the pre-trial conference who needs to be recused?" The judge, whose temples were graying, raised his head and looked at both parties, posing the question.
Recusal means that persons with a vested interest in the case should not be involved in it. For instance, if a translator was a relative of one of the parties, that translator would have to be absent to ensure the fairness and reasonableness of the trial.
"’I... I don’t think we have any relatives abroad, right?’ Zhang Qingyuan, after hearing this, instinctively turned to Feng Cuihua. After some thought, they realized that they had no family members abroad, neither up nor down the family tree, nor did they recognize anyone at the pre-trial proceedings.
On the plaintiff’s side, George also stood up to declare that there was no need for recusal on their part.
"Now, let’s discuss the third item on the agenda." The judge then flipped through his notes and said slowly, "Regarding this case, we would prefer the parties to discuss and find a suitable solution during this meeting to avoid taking part in a trial, thereby wasting judicial resources and increasing the burden on judicial personnel."
He spoke very candidly, pointing out that he hoped the parties could reach a settlement during the meeting. For what they considered non-essential civil disputes, they never encouraged going to court. According to their principles, only very serious cases that absolutely had to be adjudicated were tried in court. They always urged parties in civil lawsuits to settle out of court.
"Your Honor." As soon as the judge finished speaking, George, the lawyer for the plaintiff, rose to his feet.
He said loudly, "Regarding this matter, after careful consideration, we have come up with a settlement proposal."
As he spoke, he presented a document filled with foreign text to the judge. The judge and several jurors reviewed it and nodded in agreement.
