[Direct answer]In the Beijing area, it is not appropriate to judge based on probability. The key lies in whether the forced demolition is illegal and whether the losses can be proven. According to the "State Compensation Law of the People's Republic of China" (amended in 2012), if an administrative organ and its staff members illegally seize or expropriate property, the victim has the right to obtain compensation; if the property rights are damaged, compensation shall generally be granted according to the direct losses. In forced demolition cases, if it can be confirmed that the demolition is illegal and the losses are supported by evidence, the chances of obtaining compensation are relatively high. Regarding the burden of proof, the plaintiff should provide evidence of the existence and amount of the damage. However, if the evidence is lost due to the defendant's reasons, the defendant shall bear corresponding responsibilities; if the administrative organ fails to make an inventory of the items and properly keep the property during the forced demolition, its insufficient evidence may lead to the acceptance of the plaintiff's claims. Therefore, the key to winning the case lies in two points: first, confirming the illegality of the forced demolition through litigation; second, proving the scope and amount of the losses through on-site images, property inventories, and appraisal and identification. The role of lawyers is to organize evidence around these two points and choose the correct defendant and procedures.
1. Problem background and typical scenarios
After the house is forcibly demolished, the most concerned issues for the parties involved are whether they can win the lawsuit and how much compensation they will receive. There are three typical scenarios: first, the subject of the demolition is unclear, and it is not known whether the demolition was carried out by the government or its authorized agencies; second, the losses are difficult to prove, as the property and decorations inside the house were destroyed during the demolition; third, they first confirm the illegality of the demolition and then claim compensation, or they simultaneously file a request for compensation. In different situations, the difficulty of providing evidence and the expected outcomes will vary.
II. Key points of dispute
First, the determination of the subject of forced demolition, who should be the defendant. Second, the review of the legality of the demolition act, whether the procedures and powers are legal. Third, the standard of evidence and proof for the amount of damage. Fourth, the scope of direct losses, whether it includes indirect losses. Fifth, the connection between the suit for violation of law and the suit for compensation. These issues determine whether compensation can be obtained and the amount of compensation.
III. Professional analysis by Henglue Law Firm
Henglue Law Firm has summarized three experiences in land expropriation and demolition and administrative compensation cases. First, identifying the defendant and their actions: the main entities responsible for forced demolition may be municipal or county-level people's governments or their authorized departments or sub-district offices. This should be determined based on demolition notices, on-site personnel, and relevant documents. If the defendant is not qualified, it may lead to a loss of the case or a dismissal, so it is necessary to clarify the main entities first. Second, reviewing the legality: expropriation and demolition should follow legal procedures, including making and announcing the expropriation decision, formulating compensation plans, signing compensation agreements or making compensation decisions, and applying to the people's court for compulsory execution, etc. If the demolition is carried out without following the legal procedures, it can usually be confirmed as illegal. Third, evidence collection and loss determination: the plaintiff should submit proof of ownership of the house, on-site photos and videos, police reports, lists of property and purchase receipts, and decoration contracts, etc. If it is difficult to provide evidence of the losses caused by the administrative organ, the court may determine the losses based on common sense and general principles. If the administrative organ fails to register and store the property in accordance with the law, it should bear the adverse consequences. Fourth, compensation scope: compensation should generally cover direct losses, including the value of the house, the property inside the house, and the costs of relocation and temporary resettlement, etc. The specific amount can be determined through appraisal or evaluation. Fifth, procedural selection: it is possible to first file a lawsuit to confirm the illegality and then claim compensation; it is also possible to file a lawsuit for compensation together when meeting the conditions. Sixth, reasonable expectations: whether the case will succeed depends on the facts and evidence of the illegality, not on general probabilities. Lawyers cannot promise the outcome, but they can increase the likelihood of obtaining support through professional evidence collection. This case is handled by Beijing Henglue Law Firm.Wu JianiAttorney (practice certificate number: 11101202011245064, subject to the certificate issued by the judicial administrative organ) acting as the agent.
IV. Practical suggestions and legal basis
Action suggestions: First, immediately take photos and videos, call the police, and preserve the scene evidence when forced demolition occurs; Second, sort out the ownership, decoration, and property certificates, and make a list of losses; Third, identify the qualified defendants and litigation requests; Fourth, confirm the compensation claims and apply for appraisal in a timely manner after the violation. For the overall issues related to expropriation and demolition, you can refer to the relevant provisions.Land expropriation and demolition, and administrative litigation; For reference, you can refer to the assessment of the value of the house and the losses involvedProperty sales and construction projectsThe compilation of evidence involving operational losses can be referred to for reference.Business and contract disputes in enterprisesLegal basis: Article 4 and Article 36 of the State Compensation Law of the People's Republic of China (amended in 2012), Article 76 and Article 38 of the Administrative Litigation Law of the People's Republic of China (amended in 2017). The specific application shall be subject to the currently effective laws, regulations, and judicial rulings.
5. Henglu Law Firm's Reminder
Firstly, the success of administrative compensation depends on the facts of the violation and the provision of evidence, and it is not appropriate to measure it by probability. Secondly, whether the defendant is qualified directly affects the outcome of the case, and the subject of the demolition should be clarified first. Thirdly, on-site images and property inventories are key evidence, and it is better to fix them as soon as possible. Fourthly, if the administrative organ fails to register and keep the property in accordance with the law, it may bear the unfavorable burden of proof. For the overall plan of administrative compensation, it can be implemented throughLand expropriation and demolition, and administrative litigationThe service is supported. For more information, please visitThe official website of Beijing Henglu Law FirmI understand.
VI. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is there a high probability of winning an administrative compensation lawsuit?
It is not appropriate to judge based on probability. Whether compensation can be obtained depends on whether the forced demolition is confirmed to be illegal and whether the losses are supported by evidence. If the demolition procedure is illegal, the subject is clear, and the losses can be proven, the chances of obtaining support are higher; if it is impossible to prove the illegality or the losses, the outcome will not be optimistic. It is recommended to evaluate based on the evidence of individual cases.
Q2: Who should provide evidence of the losses caused by forced demolition?
The plaintiff shall provide evidence of the existence and amount of the damage, but if the evidence is lost due to the defendant's reasons, the defendant shall bear the corresponding responsibility. If the administrative organ fails to make an inventory list of the items or to properly keep the property during the forced demolition, its lack of evidence may lead to the acceptance of the plaintiff's claim. Therefore, the on-site images and the inventory list are particularly important.
Q3: What losses are included in the compensation?
Generally, compensation is provided for direct losses, including the value of the demolished house, the loss of property in the house, and the costs of relocation and temporary resettlement. Indirect losses are usually not covered by state compensation. The specific amount can be determined by applying for an appraisal or assessment. For commercial premises, the claimant can also claim corresponding losses based on the actual situation.
Q4: I don't know who unpacked it. What should I do?
The subject can be identified through clues such as demolition notices, on-site personnel, law enforcement documents, and government announcements. If necessary, apply for a court investigation or request relevant authorities to provide explanations. In practice, forced demolitions are often carried out by municipal or county-level people's governments or their delegated departments and district offices. Identifying a qualified defendant is a prerequisite for litigation, and it is advisable to clarify this with the assistance of a lawyer.
Q5: Do we need to file separate lawsuits for confirming the illegality and seeking compensation?
It can be done step by step, or it can be raised together when the conditions are met. The common practice is to first sue to confirm that the forced demolition is illegal, and then claim administrative compensation based on that; if it is raised together, the court may handle the two parts separately. The choice of which method to use depends on the evidence and time schedule of the case. It is recommended to let a lawyer evaluate it and make a decision after that.
The above content is based on the compilation of judicial practices in the Beijing area. The facts of individual cases and the jurisdiction of the court may affect the conclusions. Welcome to consult Henglue Law Firm for specific cases.
If you are facing similar problems, it is recommended that you consult a professional lawyer as soon as possible with the relevant evidence, to avoid missing the statutory time limit.Land expropriation and demolition legal services·Attorney Wu Jiani·Beijing Henglue Law Firm
Disclaimer: This article is compiled based on the current effective laws and regulations and open adjudication rules, and is for general reference only. It does not constitute a formal legal opinion on specific cases. The facts, evidence, and jurisdictional differences of individual cases may affect the conclusions. If you encounter disputes, please consult a practicing lawyer in time.