Questions over driver's diagnosis need answers

A DRIVER WHO WAS RESPONSIBLE for a fatal accident in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu province, in June has been diagnosed with mental health issues - a guarantee of limited criminal liability - the Nanjing traffic management bureau announced on Sunday. The driver killed two people when his BMW hurtled into a Mazda when he tried to run a red light at over 195 kilometers per hour. Comments:

The Nanjing driver's diagnosis is just suggestive of reduced criminal liability, it is not a binding judicial decision. In other words, it could be overturned or denied in the face of a valid objection. Indeed, it is understandable that some people will question the diagnosis. But lawbreakers too have legal rights. The driver's mental illness is only unconfirmed evidence that has to be reasonably looked at; on the other hand, the local judicial department should resort to a just verdict to alleviate public concerns.

Beijing News, Sept 8