Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae: "Judicial Reform Should Be Fully Discussed Through Public Debate"

Cho Hee-dae: "Judicial Reform Requires Public Debate on What Is Best for the People"

Yonhap News Agency

Regarding the Democratic Party's judicial reform proposal, which includes increasing the number of Supreme Court justices, Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hui-dae stated, "It would be desirable if these matters-such as what is most beneficial for the public-could be sufficiently discussed through public debate."

On September 12, as he arrived at the Supreme Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, Chief Justice Cho responded to a reporter's question about whether he had any comments on reform legislation, including the increase in Supreme Court justices. He said, "As I have always said, it is important to consider the fundamental functions of the judiciary, the current reality of our judicial workforce, and what is most beneficial for the public. I hope these matters can be thoroughly discussed through public debate. That is the position of the Supreme Court."

Regarding President Lee Jaemyung's remarks the previous day-such as "Establishing a special court for insurrection is not unconstitutional" and "The judiciary must discuss matters within the structure set by the legislature"-Chief Justice Cho said, "The Supreme Court is comprehensively reviewing these issues," and added, "We are continuing to consult and persuade the National Assembly so that the Supreme Court's opinions are reflected in the legislative process."

When asked about the Democratic Party's plan to complete judicial reform legislation before this year's Chuseok holiday, he said, "With the National Assembly audit approaching, I intend to gather the opinions of judges nationwide through the National Court Presidents' Meeting."

The Supreme Court will hold a special session of the National Court Presidents' Meeting at 2 p.m. today to discuss the Democratic Party's judicial reform proposal. The Democratic Party is currently pursuing judicial reform bills such as increasing the number of Supreme Court justices to 26, introducing a judicial evaluation committee system, and diversifying the composition of the Supreme Court Justice Recommendation Committee. Previously, the National Court Administration expressed the position that further review is necessary.

Yonhap News Agency

National Court Presidents' Meeting This Afternoon... Gathering Judges' Opinions Nationwide

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will hold a special session of the National Court Presidents' Meeting at 2 p.m. today in the main conference room of the Seocho-dong Supreme Court building, presided over by Cheon Daeyeop, Chief of the National Court Administration (Supreme Court Justice). This follows Cheon’s request on September 1 for court presidents nationwide to collect and submit the opinions of their respective judges regarding the Democratic Party's judicial reform proposal. The Chief Justice will not attend the meeting.

The agenda includes items being promoted by the Democratic Party's special committee on judicial reform, aiming for passage before Chuseok: ▲ increasing the number of Supreme Court justices, ▲ improving the method of recommending justices, ▲ improving the judicial evaluation system, ▲ expanding the scope of public disclosure of lower court rulings, and ▲ introducing prior examination for search and seizure warrants.

Previously, on September 1, Chief Cheon shared with the internal court network the opinions submitted by the National Court Administration to the Democratic Party's special committee regarding these agenda items and expressed concern about judicial reform legislation being pursued without the judiciary's involvement. Chief Cheon emphasized, "Legislation is being pushed forward rapidly without any official opportunity for the judiciary to participate," and added, "Despite efforts to correct this, the extraordinary process continues in this unprecedented situation."

The National Court Presidents' Meeting, where the highest-ranking judges gather to discuss key judicial issues, is usually held twice a year, in March-April and December. This time, however, it is being convened as a special session. It is the first special session since 2022, when the meeting was held to discuss COVID-19 measures.

There is also a possibility that an official opinion on the Democratic Party's proposed "special court for insurrection" will be issued at this meeting. Legal experts have raised concerns that such a court could undermine judicial independence and may be unconstitutional.

However, at a press conference marking his 100th day in office the previous day, President Lee stated regarding the introduction of a special court for insurrection, "Some say it is unconstitutional, but I do not see how it is unconstitutional," adding, "The will of the people is most important," thereby expressing support for the ruling party.

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