Judges to visit dipsute site for ruling

By Yun Suh-young

Judges dealing with an environmental lawsuit plan to go to the site in dispute so that they can make a fairer and more objective ruling. The case is a collective lawsuit brought by fishermen in Goheung against the government for building a seawall that has meant reduced catches.

The judges at Seoul High Court will visit the waters off Goheung, South Jeolla Province, on Nov. 26 to inspect the disputed area together with the plaintiffs and defendants. The decision to head to the scene was in consideration of the fact that all parties involved in the suit cannot make it to court.

“Judges will inspect the coastal region by boat for three hours. On the same day, they will go to Gwangju District Court to arrange a date to hear pleas,” a court official said. The final ruling will be made at the nearest court from the Goheung coast once the judges’ deliberations are completed. It will be the first time a ruling will be made in such a manner.

“This is a new attempt by the court. By communicating with the complainants, the court can enhance people’s understanding about court procedures and gain their trust.”

The attempt has been met with positive responses.

“It would look better if they were going to wear their robes. But the move is very enterprising. I welcome it,” said one netizen.

The group of fishermen, led by the fishing village chief, filed the lawsuit in November 2007.

They claim the 2.8-kilometer seawall that stretches across Goheung Bay connecting the towns of Yongdong and Pungryu have rapidly decreased their hauls.

They also claim a construction project to build a lake also interfered with their catch.

Polluted water released from the four outlets of the seawall has caused damage to the fish there, according to the fishermen. They have requested compensation from the government for financially supporting the reclamation project and Goheung County for establishing and managing the seawall.

The lower court ruled in favor of the fishermen in July and ordered the defendants to pay 7.2 billion won, 70 percent of the damages originally sought. However the defendants appealed and a final ruling is still pending.