National Judges' Representative Meeting Urges Passage of Judge Increase Act to Resolve Trial Delays

The National Conference of Judges urged the 21st National Assembly, whose term is nearing its end, to promptly pass the bill to increase the number of judges.

National Judges' Representative Meeting. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 24th, the National Conference of Judges announced that in an online vote regarding the "Request to Amend the Act on the Number of Judges at Each Court Level," 80 out of 124 members voted, with 70 in favor and 10 against, resulting in approval.

The Conference stated, "One of the fundamental causes of trial delays is the absolute shortage of judges," adding, "If the increase is not implemented, it will be difficult to resolve trial delays despite institutional improvements at the court level and individual efforts by judges."

They further pointed out, "The public finds it difficult to receive prompt trials due to delays, and it may also hinder receiving faithful trials based on law and principles," emphasizing, "The shortage of judges may restrict the public's right to request trials."

Earlier, in December 2022, the government submitted to the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee a bill to increase the number of judges from 3,214 to 3,584, adding 370 judges, along with a bill to increase the number of prosecutors by 220.

The bills to increase the number of judges and prosecutors passed the first subcommittee of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee on the 7th of this month. If they fail to pass the full committee and the plenary session of the National Assembly by the 29th, when the 21st National Assembly's term ends, they will be automatically discarded.