Korean Judicial Officials Will Visit Franklin County

Date: 11-26-2007
Contact: Stacy Worthington
Phone: 462- 2529

On November 27th and 28th, 8 Judicial Officials from the Republic of Korea will visit the Franklin County Common Pleas Court. The National Center for State Courts requested that the Court host this visit, in an effort to assist Korea with their judicial reforms.

The Supreme Court of the Republic of Korea has been conducting vigorous judicial reforms to promote greater use of oral arguments and proceedings during trials. It is the Court’s opinion that such oral arguments provide a more accurate version of the truth, with lively discussions more apt to protect the parties’ rights and liberties.

The adoption of a jury system in Korea is currently being considered. Though before such reforms can be implemented, members of the judiciary must become accustomed to oral arguments and proceedings; as of now, trial procedures rely heavily on written affidavits. It is the Court’s opinion that the best way to understand the nature and limits of oral arguments is to observe such practices in action. As the United States has been a model for trial procedures and jurisprudence, we are certain that through this visit Korean judges and officials will gain invaluable experience and knowledge.

The delegation will be composed of four/five judges and four/five court officials. The judges will represent both the three-judge panel division and the sole-judge division. Judges will range from a veteran with twenty years judicial experience to associate judges with approximately three year’s experience. Additionally, court clerks and court officials with various levels of experience will represent both the three-judge and sole-judge divisions.