The Taipei District Court celebrated its 120th anniversary by displaying documents of historical importance. There was the death sentenced handed to Liao Tian-ding廖添丁, who has been described as a Taiwanese “Robin Hood.” Also of interest were court rulings pertaining to Chiang Wei-shui蔣渭水, who was one of the pioneering figures in Taiwan’s democracy movement. This is a court verdict from the Japanese colonial era in 1909. Here we see a judge’s decision written with a calligraphy brush indicating that Liao Tian-ding’s residence is unknown. Due to his absence for a court case where he is charged in the killing of a Japanese spy, he was given the death sentence.Lai Chien-yiTaipei District Court Spokesperson It has been quite a long time since the Japanese colonial period, so any mention of Liao Tian-ding may lead some to believe he is just a legend. But you can view the judgment handed down in his case.There’s also a court decision involving Chiang Wei-shui, the founder of the Taiwanese Culture Association and a pioneer of local democracy.Lai Chien-yiTaipei District Court Spokesperson During the Japanese colonial rule of Taiwan, political considerations and pressure were evident, though at the beginning they did bring a degree of western thinking to Taiwan’s judicial system. In this particular case, you can see a degree of judicial independence.In 1923, Chiang Wei-shui, Tsai Pei-huo and other democracy activists attempted to found the Taiwan Assembly. This would lead to their arrest with court charges being levied. The following year, the Taipei District Court tribunal of three Japanese judges would acquit them, though upon appeal, some of those charged were found guilty. These precious court documents give us valuable insight into Taiwan’s democracy movement.
