Statement by JRF Regarding the President's Advocacy for the "Observer-Participation System"

Regarding today's (the 21st) judicial reform conference convened by the President, in which the President advocated for the promotion of the "observer-participation system," our Foundation issues the following statement:

1. The President is evidently endorsing the Judicial Yuan's policy entirely, disregarding the fact that the "observer-participation system" is a unique domestic invention that risks severely eroding the spirit of public participation in trials. Without proving why this domestically created system is "superior" to those of other nations, rushing into such a crude decision raises the question of whether it is merely for fleeting prestige? The Foundation is deeply concerned that rather than achieving judicial reform, a heavy price will be paid instead.
2. On one hand, the Judicial Yuan complied with the legislature's request to promote mock trials comparing the "observer-participation system," "jury system," and "lay participation system" as control groups, in order to conduct empirical research with a responsible and rigorous attitude before choosing a system suited to our national conditions. On the other hand, it utilized the President's conference to vigorously push for the "observer-participation system" while refuting the possibility of other systems. This two-faced approach clearly breaches its commitment to the legislature and disregards public doubts and recommendations, fully revealing an arbitrary and obstinate mindset in decision-making.

Press Contact

Kao Jung-chih, Executive Director, Judicial Reform Foundation 02-2523-1178