Nationwide Chief Judges: 'Legal distortion crime causes severe side effects... goes against guaranteeing basic rights of citizens'
Chief judges from across South Korea have expressed serious concerns regarding the Democratic Party's proposed judicial reform bills, particularly the legal distortion crime law.
On the 25th, chief judges across the country publicly expressed their serious concerns regarding the 'Judicial Reform Three Bills' proposed by the Democratic Party. They articulated their discontent with the fact that, despite reservations voiced by the judiciary and various sectors of society, these bills have been presented in the National Assembly. Among these bills, the legal distortion crime law raises significant concerns due to its vagueness and potential for severe adverse effects, as it could lead to widespread abuse of legal complaints and hinder the swift administration of justice and the protection of citizens' basic rights.
During a temporary national conference held for chief judges, topics such as the revision of the legal distortion crime law were discussed. The judges suggested that even with amendments, the vague nature of the bill could lead to an excessively broad interpretation of what constitutes a crime, resulting in a detrimental effect on the judiciary's operations. Moreover, the introduction of a constitutional appeal law that includes finalized court rulings is expected to prolong litigation, causing harm to parties involved in ongoing cases and leading to systemic legal uncertainties. This situation has emphasized the necessity for broader discussions involving relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure legislative measures are carefully considered in light of their impacts.
In conclusion, the chief judges voiced strong disapproval of the current handling of these laws, calling for a thorough deliberation process that includes input from various stakeholders to avoid unintended consequences. They highlighted the critical need for a judiciary that is not only effective but also protects the fundamental rights of citizens, urging the government to reconsider its approach to judicial reform to ensure a fair and just legal process without the risk of overreach or harm to the rights of individuals.