Supreme Court Recommends Unprecedented Adjournment to Courts Nationwide... Major Trials Expected to Be Postponed One After Another

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] As the government raised the crisis alert level for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) to the highest level, 'serious,' the Supreme Court's Court Administration Office recommended a recess to courts nationwide on the 24th.

Cho Jae-yeon, head of the Court Administration Office, posted a notice with this content on the court's internal network, 'CourtNet,' on the same day. Cho recommended operating court dates during the recess period by postponing or changing trial dates for cases other than those requiring urgent attention (such as detention-related cases, provisional injunctions, and suspension of execution).

It is very unusual for the Court Administration Office to recommend a recess to courts nationwide. There was no such recommendation during other infectious disease outbreaks such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome).

Cho said, "We recognize that the COVID-19 infection situation has shifted to a serious phase," and added, "I believe that with united hearts, wisdom, and strength, we will overcome the current situation well."

Earlier, the Korean Bar Association also requested Chief Justice Kim Myung-soo to recommend special recess measures to each court to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and overcome the crisis situation. Accordingly, the Supreme Court's small bench ruling scheduled for the 27th is expected to be postponed. Major trials handled by courts such as the Seoul Central District Court, including those related to former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk's family and judicial corruption, are also likely to be delayed.

However, even though the Court Administration Office recommended a recess, the final decision to change trial dates lies with the presiding judge, so not all trials will be postponed simultaneously. Meanwhile, the Court Administration Office has already reduced the nationwide court chiefs' meeting scheduled for the 6th of next month from a two-day event to a one-day event. Recently, they are considering canceling it altogether or reducing it to an online meeting. Additionally, the Court Administration Office has formed a crisis response committee chaired by Kim In-gyeom, deputy head of the Court Administration Office. The first meeting will be held on the 25th.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.