Seoul High Court to Hold Full Judges' Meeting on January 15 to Discuss Formation of Dedicated Insurrection Panels

Plans to Discuss Number of Dedicated Panels and Judge Qualifications
"We Will Ensure Thorough Preparation for Fair and Prompt Hearings"

With the official promulgation on January 6 of the law establishing dedicated courts for insurrection and treason cases-including those involving former President Yoon Suk-yeol-the Seoul High Court has begun preparations for implementation.

Yonhap News Agency

On January 7, the Seoul High Court announced, "In accordance with the enforcement of the 'Special Act on Criminal Procedures for Insurrection, Treason, and Rebellion Crimes,' we will convene a full judges' meeting on January 15 to deliberate on the criteria for forming dedicated panels and the basic principles for the allocation of judicial work for 2026."

During the full judges' meeting, discussions will focus on the number of dedicated panels for cases subject to the special act, the qualifications required for judges to serve on such panels, and other necessary matters related to their formation and implementation. Depending on the progress of these discussions, additional meetings may be convened.

The special act stipulates that, for insurrection, treason, and rebellion crimes with significant political, economic, or social impact and high public interest, at least two dedicated panels must be established each at the Seoul Central District Court and the Seoul High Court.

Each dedicated panel will operate as a collegial bench composed of three judges and will be exclusively responsible for hearing these cases. The formation of the panels and the assignment of judges will be determined through each court’s judges' meeting and judicial work allocation committee.

The Seoul High Court stated, "The Judicial Work Allocation Committee of the Seoul High Court has begun reviewing proposals for work allocation to be submitted to the full judges' meeting, and several sessions are planned. We will make every effort to ensure fair and prompt hearings for cases subject to the special act."