A traffic accident occurred yesterday evening in a school zone on the outskirts of Seoul. According to eyewitnesses and police reports, a driver lost control of their vehicle while driving through the area, causing one minor injury.
The incident has sparked concerns about the severity of punishments under "Minshik's Law", which was enacted after a 7-year-old boy died in a similar accident in Asan in 2019. The law mandates harsher penalties for drivers who cause accidents in school zones, including up to life imprisonment for fatal offenses.
Judge Jang Ji-woong has called for revising the sentencing guidelines under Minshik's Law, citing concerns that the current standards are too severe and may punish minor lapses excessively. Speaking at a symposium of the Sentencing Research Society, Judge Jang argued that traffic accidents involving children can be "purely negligence-based offenses" and that the lower end of the sentencing range is set too high.
Under Minshik's Law, drivers who cause injury in school zone accidents face one to 15 years in prison or a fine of 5 million to 30 million won. The law has been criticized for its harsh penalties, with some arguing that it may deter necessary reporting of accidents and injuries.
The driver involved in yesterday's accident was arrested on the scene and is currently being questioned by police. Further investigation into the incident is ongoing.
**Background**
Minshik's Law was enacted to address concerns about traffic safety in school zones after a series of high-profile accidents involving children. The law has been amended several times since its introduction, with the aim of increasing penalties for drivers who cause harm or death in these areas. However, critics argue that the current sentencing guidelines are too severe and may not reflect the degree of responsibility in each individual case.