'Discussion on the Three Judicial Reform Bills'… National Conference of Chief Judges Held

On the 25th, chief judges from across the country expressed their "serious regret regarding the current situation where the Democratic Party of Korea's 'three judicial reform bills' (the Law on Judicial Distortion, the introduction of constitutional complaints against court rulings, and the expansion of Supreme Court justices) have been referred to the plenary session without sufficient public discussion or deliberation, despite concerns raised by the judiciary."

Minister of National Court Administration Park Young-jae (Supreme Court Justice) and chief judges from courts at all levels nationwide held an extraordinary national conference of chief judges in the conference room of the Supreme Court building in Seocho-dong that afternoon. The extraordinary meeting lasted from 2:00 PM to 6:40 PM, with a total of 43 participants, including Minister Park.

The chief judges first stated, "While we recognize that the judiciary can only exist through public trust, we take very seriously the fact that we have reached the current situation due to a failure to receive sufficient public trust," adding, "We are deeply aware of our responsibility to work even harder to create a judicial system for the people and to realize fair and prompt trials."

They continued, "Nevertheless, we express our serious regret over the current situation where bills that could bring fundamental changes to the judicial system and have a profound impact on the lives of the people have been referred to the National Assembly's plenary session without sufficient public discussion or deliberation on the side effects of institutional reform, despite concerns raised by the judiciary and various sectors of society."

They further expressed deep concern regarding the bills on judicial distortion, constitutional complaints against court rulings, and the expansion of Supreme Court justices.

Regarding the Law on Judicial Distortion, the chief judges stated, "Even with amendments, the constituent elements of the crime are abstract, which could lead to an excessive expansion of the scope of punishment. This would cause profound side effects, such as the abuse of complaints and accusations," adding, "There is a concern that this would lead to results that run counter to the speed of trials and the protection of citizens' fundamental rights."

Concerning the introduction of constitutional complaints against court rulings, which would allow constitutional appeals against court decisions, they noted, "There is a concern that citizens will suffer damage due to the substantial delay in the finalization of trials, litigation parties will suffer from repetitive trials, and social losses due to legal instability are expected."

Regarding the expansion of Supreme Court justices, while expressing concerns about side effects such as the weakening of trial-of-fact proceedings, they took the stance that it is desirable to proceed with an increase of four justices—the maximum feasible under current circumstances—and to continue discussions on further expansion while examining the impact on trial-of-fact proceedings and ensuring no harm comes to the public.

The chief judges also emphasized, "Fundamental reform of the judicial system can cause serious, irreversible side effects," and added, "It is necessary to conduct broad and in-depth discussions on desirable judicial reform measures through a consultative body that brings together various institutions and experts."