Maeng Seong-ju, the Supreme Court justice candidate, recently appeared before the parliamentary committee, where he shared his insights on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) mechanisms within the judiciary, as well as some fundamental principles surrounding judicial independence and the role of the presidency in times of national crisis.
During the testimony, which took place on December 26, Maeng emphasized, "The reason for the existence of the court is to conduct trials," underscoring his commitment to ensuring prompt and fair adjudication. He reiterated the importance of aligning the judiciary's capacity with public expectations for justice, stating, "All functions and capabilities of the judiciary must focus on delivering swift and just trials as the public demands."
Highlighting the value of constitutional principles, Maeng said, "The spirit of the constitution has been emphasized now more than ever. I pledge my dedication to implementing the judiciary system the public desires." His remarks resonate strongly with current debates over judicial reform and the need for legal systems to adapt to modern challenges, particularly those brought on by technology.
Maeng did not hold back on discussing the contentious issue of whether the presidency should be exempt from charges of insurrection. Responding to inquiries from lawmakers, he directly stated, "It is difficult to agree with the notion asserting the president cannot be subject to insurrection laws. Our nation is not monarchic but democratic." He underlined the right of the judiciary to review acts of governance even during emergencies, asserting, "The executive actions must not escape judicial scrutiny, particularly when they violate constitutional or legal stipulations."
His assertion reflects concerns about potential abuse of power, particularly during crises such as the state of emergency declared on December 3. He remarked, "Even when governance actions borrow from the guise of authority, if they clearly violate the Constitution or laws, they are subject to judicial review, especially insurrection acts aimed at undermining state sovereignty." Maeng's stance certainly raises questions about accountability at the highest levels of government.
Maeng's commitment to modernization within the judicial system includes embracing AI technologies and improving procedural transparency. He stated, "We need to address urgent issues like preparing readable judgments, broadening access to judgments, improving the hierarchical system, and implementing the Korean-style discovery system. All these require not just individual commitment but institutional support as well."
Speaking to the committee, he noted, "The incorporation of AI as auxiliary support is not just about technological advancement; it is about creating efficiency and reliability within the judicial process." By advocating for improved tools and mechanisms, Maeng aims to bring the judiciary closer to citizens' needs.
Maeng elaborated on the necessity for rigorous procedures to enforce public prosecution standards, stating, "A strict adherence to prosecutorial acts must be maintained, ensuring procedural rigor." The candidate's emphasis on training judges and officials to effectively engage with the rising tide of technological evolution is at the forefront of his goals.
One notable point discussed was the dual responsibility of maintaining judicial independence alongside governmental accountability. Maeng articulated, "We must balance the inevitable intersection of government actions and judicial independence, especially during tumultuous periods like now." His viewpoint suggests the need for vigilance to uphold constitutional safeguards against systemic erosion.
Regarding the appointment process, he expressed confidence, asserting, "If the National Assembly acknowledges my qualifications through this public hearing, I believe all substantial conditions will be satisfied for my appointment as Supreme Court justice." This statement indicates his readiness to take on significant responsibilities within the judiciary.
Maeng's commentary surrounding the controversial imposition of national emergency measures includes critiques of the recent directives limiting legislative activity. He firmly stated, "The legislative activity limitations imposed by the emergency decree are violations of the Constitution." His responses demonstrate not only his legal reasoning but also reflect broader societal concerns around governance accountability.
By engaging with these pivotal issues, Maeng Seong-ju’s testimony sheds light on the path forward for judicial reform, presenting both challenges and opportunities as the nation grapples with rapid technological changes and the demand for systemic evolution. The intersection of AI and law could redefine the future of justice, emphasizing the need for careful, principled consideration as these systems integrate.
Overall, Maeng's extensive engagement with the issues presented during his parliamentary testimonial affirms both his readiness for judicial responsibilities and his commitment to guiding the judiciary through transformative times. His advocacy for AI's role, along with his emphasis on judicial independence and accountability, positions him as a thoughtful candidate for the Supreme Court, one who is prepared to navigate the complex interplay of technology and law.
