A specialized court dedicated to civil cases directly affecting citizens, such as jeonse fraud and rental disputes, has resolved cases in an average of three months.
On August 7, the Supreme Court's Court Administration Office released an analysis of the pilot program for the 'Timely Processing Division for Civil Cases,' which was introduced in February at four locations in the Seoul Central District Court and one in Changwon. This division aims to quickly resolve disputes related to rental deposits and property handovers, alleviating the legal burdens faced by citizens.
The analysis revealed that the average time from case filing to final judgment in the Timely Processing Division was just 91 days, significantly shorter than the national average of 223 days for civil cases in district courts. The time taken to reach the first hearing was also reduced to an average of 87 days, compared to 139 days for regular trials, allowing litigants to meet judges more quickly.
The quality of the trials and the satisfaction of the parties involved have also improved. The actual mediation and settlement rate stood at 42.2%, surpassing the 25.8% rate for general civil cases, while the appeal rate for first-instance judgments was only 12.3%, about half the usual rate. This indicates a higher likelihood of resolving disputes at the first instance through concessions and compromises between the parties.
There have been tangible cases of victim relief as well. One tenant who fell victim to jeonse fraud received a ruling just two months after filing a lawsuit, allowing them to recover their deposit from the landlord's other property distribution process. In another case involving a dispute over a debtor's account being seized after bankruptcy proceedings, a quick mediation recommendation helped clear misunderstandings and facilitated a fresh start. A survey indicated that 77% of parties and lawyers felt the process was helpful in securing their rights.
Given the positive feedback regarding the Timely Processing Division's tailored hearings and flexible mediation, the Court Administration Office plans to share the pilot program's results with courts nationwide and consider expanding the division's designation for civil cases.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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