Criticism of Trial Delays: "‘Janggi Mije Sagoen’ to Be Prioritized by Court Chief"
Apology for Judicial Scandal Allegations: "Sorry for Causing Concern to the People"
As the vacancy in the position of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court continues for over 70 days, the parliamentary confirmation hearing for Supreme Court Chief Justice nominee Cho Hee-dae held on the 5th focused on issues such as trial delays and the pre-examination system for search warrants.
Cho Hee-dae, nominee for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, is delivering opening remarks at the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 5th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@
Nominee Cho also apologized for the judicial corruption allegations that occurred during the tenure of former Chief Justice Yang Sung-tae. Cho served as a Supreme Court Justice alongside former Chief Justice Yang for about three and a half years.
During the hearing, the ruling party pointed out the issue of trial delays. In response to People Power Party lawmaker Joo Ho-young's criticism that trials are being delayed in politically sensitive cases such as the Ulsan mayoral election interference allegations, Cho said, "In specific trials, all judges consider that they are putting their lifetime efforts and experience into the cases they handle." He added, "However, when looking closely into the details of several cases that are currently under question, the evidentiary value of the records has significantly diminished, so in actual courtrooms, many witnesses are being summoned and examined for extended periods."
Regarding Joo's remark that "an appropriate supervisory system should be established for long-term unresolved cases," Cho responded, "Upon assuming office as Chief Justice, I plan to specially focus on managing long-term unresolved cases. Previously, court presidents did not preside over trials, but I intend to have court presidents prioritize trials and assign them to handle long-term unresolved cases first."
Kim Hyung-dong, a lawmaker from the same party, pointed out, "The most trial delays occurred during Chief Justice Kim Myung-soo's tenure. Former lawmaker Choi Kang-wook, who became independent from the Democratic Party, received a final verdict after 3 years and 8 months since indictment, but former People Power Party lawmaker Kim Seon-kyo, who was disqualified from office, was out in just 3 months. Lawmaker Yoon Mi-hyang's first trial took 1 year and 5 months, and former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk has been in the second trial for 3 years and 9 months."
In response, Cho said, "It is difficult to comment on specific individual cases, but I am aware that the public is concerned about trial delays recently."
On the other hand, the opposition criticized the prosecution's search and seizure of Gyeonggi Provincial Government offices related to allegations of misuse of corporate cards during Lee Jae-myung's tenure as governor of Gyeonggi Province and urged the introduction of a pre-examination system for search warrants.
In response to Democratic Party lawmaker Seo Young-kyo's criticism that "the prosecution requests search warrants and the courts issue them like vending machines," Cho said, "Currently, various procedures are being followed. It seems that additional procedures are still ongoing. Once all procedures are completed, the contents will be reviewed and discussed at the Supreme Court Justice meeting."
Regarding the introduction of a conditional detention warrant system, Cho said, "I think it is necessary to consider it positively," but added, "I am concerned that if such a system is established, only the wealthy or powerful might benefit."
In response to the same party lawmaker Jin Sung-jun's question, "What is the progress on the pre-examination system for search warrants, for which a legislative notice to amend the Criminal Procedure Rules was even issued?" Cho replied, "I have heard that there is a discussion on whether it is more appropriate to implement it through rules or legislation. Since the issue of search and seizure has recently become very prominent and this system is already in place in foreign countries, I will consider it positively."
When asked by Justice Party lawmaker Kang Eun-mi whether he intends to apologize to the public as a Supreme Court Chief Justice nominee for judicial corruption, Cho responded, "I am sorry for causing concern to the public due to such incidents."
Additionally, Cho stated that he would recommend the appointment of Supreme Court Justices to ensure diversity within the Supreme Court bench. In response to Democratic Party lawmaker Hong Jung-min's question about the criteria for recommending Supreme Court Justice appointments, Cho said, "I believe we should widely seek talented individuals who are reputable, possess legal expertise, and can secure diversity within the bench."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
