"State-Appointed Attorneys Now Available for Serious Crime Victims"...Amended Bill Announced

Following Sexual and Child Abuse Cases

Victims of Serious Crimes Such as Murder and Robbery Also Eligible for Legal Assistance

From now on, victims of certain serious crimes will also be eligible to receive legal assistance from state-appointed defense attorneys, with the government covering the associated costs. In addition, state-appointed defense attorneys found to have engaged in misconduct, such as accepting bribes or other improper acts, will be dismissed, and qualification management will be strengthened.

The Ministry of Justice announced on the 21st that it has issued a legislative notice for a partial amendment to the 'Regulations on the Appointment of State-Appointed Defense Attorneys by Prosecutors.' The revised regulations are scheduled to take effect after collecting public opinion until June 15.

Previously, state-appointed defense attorneys were primarily assigned to assist victims of certain crimes, such as sexual offenses or child abuse. The revised regulations, however, expand the definition so that victims of serious crimes, including robbery and abduction, can also receive broad legal support from the state. This is a follow-up measure to the amendment of the 'Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Specific Violent Crimes (Specific Violent Crimes Act),' which now allows the appointment of state defense attorneys for victims of serious crimes as well.

Accordingly, the authority to designate dedicated prosecutors will also be expanded. Until now, unless there were special circumstances, only prosecutors dedicated to child abuse or sexual offenses could appoint state defense attorneys. Moving forward, prosecutors dedicated to serious crimes can also be designated as responsible for appointing state defense attorneys.

Additionally, the Ministry of Justice will introduce a new regulation stipulating that if a state-appointed defense attorney for victims is found to have committed improper acts such as accepting money or valuables, they will be dismissed without exception.

To prevent confusion between victims and state defense attorneys in cases where prosecution is suspended or where a witness is put on hold, the Ministry will also establish clear criteria regarding the period for appointing state defense attorneys.

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