Chief Justice Says Judicial Independence Must Never Waver

Supreme Court Chief Justice Jo Hee-de told newly appointed judges on the 2nd that "the fundamental values of judicial independence, fairness and integrity must never waver amid any changes." Jo, who is locked in a dispute with the presidential office over the renomination of Supreme Court justices, is again stressing judicial independence at an official event.

Speaking at an appointment ceremony for new judges held at the Supreme Court at 2 p.m. that day, Jo said, "The independence of trials is not a privilege for individual judges but a constitutional requirement to guarantee the people's right to a fair trial."

"Our society and the judicial environment are changing rapidly today, and the public's expectations and demands of the judiciary are higher than ever," Jo said. "Please bear in mind that the path to winning public trust lies in faithfully conducting trials according to the law and principles, thereby fully carrying out the constitutional mission entrusted by the people." Jo specifically cited Article 103 of the Constitution, which states that judges shall rule independently according to their conscience in conformity with the Constitution and law.

"I hope you will listen to the diverse voices of society, but at the moment of judgment, decide fairly according only to the Constitution, the law and the conscience of a judge," Jo said. He added, "The path of a judge carries grave responsibility, and at times you must reach decisions amid lonely and intense deliberation. But protecting the rights of the people and realizing justice in our society is a precious calling that cannot be exchanged for anything."

Jo also called for speedy trials, a priority he has emphasized since taking office. "Please examine cases faithfully and deliberate deeply, but proceed without unnecessary delay so that fair conclusions can be reached in a timely manner," he said.

The 146 judges appointed that day will undergo training for new judges at the Judicial Research and Training Institute before being assigned to courts at all levels on Feb. 22 next year. They were selected through the appointment track for general legal practitioners with at least five years of legal experience. By prior occupation, the largest group came from lawyers at law firms and other organizations (79), followed by prosecutors (32) and judicial clerks (4). There are 62 men and 84 women.

Compared with last year's class, the share of female judges rose slightly to 57.5% from 52.9%, while the average age fell to 35.1 from 35.7. Among the new judges, 138 completed law school and eight completed the Judicial Research and Training Institute program. By law school, Seoul National University produced the most at 24, followed by Yonsei University (19), Korea University (15), Sungkyunkwan University (12), Pusan National University and Hanyang University (nine each), and Kyungpook National University, Ewha Womans University and Chungnam National University (five each).

Meanwhile, the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee will conduct a parliamentary audit of the Supreme Court, the National Court Administration and affiliated judicial agencies on the 6th. Jo has been designated as a general witness.