The Overturning of Conventional Orders Doesn’t Mean Reform

Yang Seung-tae, a candidate for a justice position on the Supreme Court, revealed his opinions on the abolition of capital punishment and adultery statutes on February 22. The nominee presented at a hearing for his appointment in the National Assembly and expressed his thoughts on the issues saying, “I personally hope the death penalty is scrapped, but the problem is that the majority of the public opposes its abolition,” adding, “The Supreme Court ruled that adultery is not unconstitutional. However, I thought adultery is not valid in the legislative aspect.”

The candidate also made comments on the misuse of the president’s amnesty from prosecution, “The amnesty from prosecution is the president’s own right, but if a president seeks it too often and in a wide range, that would cause problems related to the independence of justice.”

The nominee also expressed his opinions regarding the bill on the redemption right of the assets of pro-Japanese activists during the Japanese colonization period, which is supported by lawmaker Choi Yong-kyu from the ruling Uri Party. He said that the bill includes unconstitutional factors.

On judiciary reform, he said, “I don’t believe that reformation is something that overturns existing orders and introduces totally new ones,” and added, “Many people point out that the Supreme Court is too conservative, but it is necessary since social stability could be hampered if the nature of laws is changed too often.”

The majority of lawmakers who participated at the hearing reportedly concluded that he doesn’t have problems in his ability and qualifications for the job.

Therefore, the special committee for the appointment is highly expected to select a report including an optimistic assessment of him on February 23. His appointment motion, which will be submitted to a plenary session of the National Assembly on February 25, is likely to pass without any problems.

Myoung-Gun Lee gun43@donga.com