壹快评丨“孤独死”者遗产不能给自己买墓地？为民办事讲“法”之前不妨先讲“情”

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the legal complexities surrounding the inheritance of unclaimed estates, highlighted by the case of a deceased woman in Shanghai whose estate was subject to public management due to the absence of heirs. The situation raises questions about the balance between legal procedures and human empathy in public administration [4][5][7]. Summary by Sections Legal Framework - According to Article 1160 of the Civil Code, unclaimed estates revert to the state for public welfare if there are no heirs or legatees. Article 1145 states that if there are no heirs or they renounce their inheritance, the local civil affairs department or village committee acts as the estate manager [4][5]. - The Shanghai Municipal Government's guidelines clarify that the civil affairs department must handle the estate according to legal procedures, and any remaining assets can be claimed by the state after settling debts [4][5]. Public Reaction - The case has sparked public criticism towards the civil affairs department and community workers for their perceived insensitivity. Many people are unaware of the legal stipulations regarding unclaimed estates, leading to misunderstandings [6][7]. - The response from officials, particularly the statement about "only being able to provide a sea burial," was viewed as cold and lacking empathy, contributing to public outrage [6][7]. Recommendations for Improvement - The article suggests that public officials should balance legal compliance with empathy in their interactions with the public. This includes improving communication, providing clear explanations of policies, and expediting processes to avoid further conflict [6][7]. - It emphasizes the need for public administration to reflect a "people-oriented" governance philosophy, where legal principles are applied alongside emotional understanding and care for citizens' experiences [7].