Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae to New Judges: "Constitution Proclaims Judicial Independence and Guarantees Judges' Status"

At the Appointment Ceremony for New Judges on the 25th
Chief Justice Cho Stresses "Constitution Proclaims Judicial Independence"

Yonhap News Agency

On September 25, Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae stated at the appointment ceremony for new judges held in the main auditorium on the first floor of the Supreme Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, "I hope you will deeply reflect on the constitutional spirit that guarantees the independence of trials, and approach your duties with unwavering resolve, guided solely by the Constitution, the law, and your conscience."

Chief Justice Cho emphasized, "Our Constitution proclaims the independence of trials and guarantees the status of judges," adding, "This is based on a firm belief and historical experience that only through independent trials can the judiciary fully carry out its constitutional mission and faithfully protect the fundamental rights of the people."

He further stated, "Judicial independence is not something that is simply given, and judges must never forget, even for a moment, that they are servants of the sovereign people. If each judge does not act with prudence and restraint in both conduct and speech, judicial independence will fail to gain the public’s support and will remain an empty slogan."

On this day, the Supreme Court held an appointment ceremony for 153 new judges with at least five years of legal experience. These appointees, who completed the Judicial Research and Training Institute or one of 22 law schools and gained experience in various fields, include 72 men and 81 women, ranging in age from 30 to 49.

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