1. Introduction to the text
This article discusses the comments made by Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-deok regarding the judicial reform bill proposed by the Democratic Party. Cho expressed his intention to ensure that the judiciary’s opinions are sufficiently voiced during the public discussion process.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 사법개혁 | Sabeopgaehyeog | Judicial reform | The Democratic Party has proposed a “judicial reform bill”. |
| 공론화 | Gongnonnhwa | Public discussion | Cho said he will ensure that the judiciary’s opinions are sufficiently voiced during the public discussion process. |
| 재판부 | Jaebeonbu | Judicial panel | There are concerns that the Democratic Party’s plan could lead to a “hierarchy of judicial panels”. |
| 옥상옥 | Ogssangog | Hierarchy within a hierarchy | Cho said he will further discuss the concerns about a “hierarchy of judicial panels” internally. |
| 대법관 | Daebwagwan | Supreme Court justice | The Democratic Party’s plan includes increasing the number of Supreme Court justices from 14 to 26. |
| 연합부 | Yeonhapbu | Joint panel | The expanded Supreme Court will operate with 6 individual panels and 2 joint panels. |
| 합의체 | Hapuiche | Deliberative body | For the most important cases, a deliberative body with the participation of more than two-thirds of the Supreme Court justices will be formed to reach a decision. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
조희대 대법원장은 더불어민주당의 사법개혁안에 대해 “공론화 과정에서 사법부 의견을 충분히 내도록 하겠다”고 밝혔다.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-deok stated that he will ensure the judiciary’s opinions are sufficiently voiced during the public discussion process regarding the Democratic Party’s judicial reform bill.
그는 “내부적으로 충분히 더 논의해보고 이야기 드리겠다”고 말했다.
He said, “I will further discuss this internally and share my thoughts.”
민주당 사법개혁특별위원회(사개특위)는 최근 대법관 증원(14명→26명)을 뼈대로 하는 ‘사법개혁안’을 발표했다.
The Democratic Party’s Judicial Reform Special Committee recently announced a “judicial reform bill” that centers on increasing the number of Supreme Court justices from 14 to 26.
대법관은 법안 공고 1년 후부터 매년 4명씩 3년에 걸쳐 12명을 증원하게 된다.
The number of Supreme Court justices will be increased by 4 each year for 3 years, resulting in a total of 26 justices.
3년 후 ’26명 체제’가 완성되면 대법원은 6개 소부와 2개 연합부 체제로 운영된다.
Once the “26-justice system” is completed in 3 years, the Supreme Court will operate with 6 individual panels and 2 joint panels.
매우 중대한 사건을 최종 판단할 때는 연합부 대법관 과반 동의로 대법관 전원의 3분의 2 이상이 참여하는 합의체를 구성해 판결할 수 있도록 했다.
For the most important cases, a deliberative body with the participation of more than two-thirds of the Supreme Court justices will be formed, requiring the consent of a majority of the justices on the joint panel to reach a final decision.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- What is the main topic of this article?
- What is the key point of the judicial reform bill proposed by the Democratic Party?
- How does the article describe the concerns about the potential “hierarchy of judicial panels”?
- What is the plan for increasing the number of Supreme Court justices under the proposed reform?
- How will the expanded Supreme Court operate in terms of its panel structure and decision-making process for the most important cases?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The relationship between the judiciary and the legislative branch is an important and sensitive issue in South Korea’s political landscape. This article highlights the ongoing debate and negotiations around the proposed judicial reforms, which aim to restructure the Supreme Court and its decision-making processes. The comments from the Supreme Court Chief Justice reflect the judiciary’s efforts to have its voice heard in this public discussion, underscoring the complex dynamics between the two branches of government.