Jo Hee-dae: "Will Begin Concrete Improvements to Arrest Warrant System After Taking Office"

"Prioritizing Human Rights Protection, Substantive Truth Discovery Cannot Be Neglected"
"Pre-Review System for Search Warrants" "Will Consider from the Perspective of Serving the People"

Cho Hee-dae, the nominee for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, stated that if appointed, he plans to control the excessive issuance of arrest warrants by investigative agencies by introducing measures such as the 'conditional arrest warrant system.'

Cho Hee-dae, nominee for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, is attending the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 5th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

At the parliamentary confirmation hearing held on the 6th, in response to a question from Hong Jeong-min, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, who raised concerns about the excessive issuance of arrest warrants, Cho said, "We will improve the system by introducing measures such as the conditional arrest warrant system," adding, "I plan to specifically initiate this if I become Chief Justice." The conditional arrest warrant system involves issuing a warrant to a suspect but releasing them under conditions such as residence restrictions, and only detaining them if these conditions are violated.

He continued, "While the protection of human rights is the top priority, we cannot neglect the discovery of substantive truth," and added, "Since the court's role is to appropriately balance these aspects for social justice and social defense, I will always keep this in mind."

Cho also expressed a positive stance on the conditional arrest warrant system the day before. He said, "I think it is necessary to consider it positively," but also expressed concern that "if such a system is established, it might be operated in a way that only benefits the wealthy or powerful."

Furthermore, Cho stated that there needs to be consideration regarding the current system for issuing search and seizure warrants. He emphasized, "From the standpoint of serving the people, I will consider and decide what kind of system is needed for search and seizure in the future, focusing on protecting citizens' human rights and what policies are necessary for the people."

He also explained, "As a judge in charge of warrants, it is a common sentiment among judges that sometimes it is difficult to make a judgment just by looking at the warrant application, and it would be better if we could call someone in for verification in such cases."

Regarding criticism that the court applies strict standards for self-defense, he responded, "I agree with the concern that it might be too strict from the public's perspective."

Additionally, Cho opposed the reinstatement of the judicial examination and advocated for expanding opportunities to enter law schools. In response to a question from Lee Jeong-moon, a Democratic Party member, asking for his stance on the reinstatement of the judicial exam or the establishment of night law schools or broadcasting and communication university law schools, he said, "I am opposed to the reinstatement of the judicial exam," adding, "We have already adopted the law school system, and we should not cause further confusion. However, I have a progressive stance on increasing opportunities for broadcasting and communication university law schools or law schools."