Judicial Reform Three Laws Promotion Alliance Visits DPP Legislative Caucus

Following visits to the Legislative Yuan President and the Executive Yuan Premier to present their demands, the "Judicial Reform Three Laws Promotion Alliance"—formed to push for the completion of legislation including the Legal Aid Act, the Judges Act, and the Judicial Yuan Organization Act—visited the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislative Caucus this morning (the 17th) to urge the realization of the three judicial reform laws and voice the earnest demands of civil society.

Today, the DPP Caucus was represented by Chief Whip Legislator Ch'en Ch'i-mai and Legislator Ch'iu T'ai-san in receiving the delegation. According to Alliance representatives who attended the meeting, the DPP Caucus stated: Regarding the "Legal Aid Act," since cross-party consultations in the Legislative Yuan have already been concluded, the bill is expected to pass its third reading in this session, marking a major milestone in judicial history. Secondly, regarding the "Judges Act," as there are no significant divergences between the ruling and opposition parties in the Legislative Yuan, the DPP Caucus promised to request the Judiciary and Organic Laws and Statutes Committee to schedule the draft Judges Act on the agenda next week. As for the "Judicial Yuan Organization Act," the resistance stems from differing opinions held by certain legislators from the Kuomintang (KMT) and the People First Party (PFP); therefore, the caucus suggested that civil society groups communicate directly with these legislators to facilitate the smooth advancement of the bill.

Regarding the statements made by the DPP Caucus, the Judicial Reform Three Laws Promotion Alliance expressed that it is gladdened by the prospect of an early third reading of the Legal Aid Act, and even after its passage, the Alliance will continue to monitor its implementation. Furthermore, regarding the "Judges Act," the Alliance affirmed the efforts the DPP Caucus is willing to make in this legislative session; as for potential opposition from the Control Yuan, Examination Yuan, and the Directorate-General of Personnel Administration of the Executive Yuan, the Alliance is fully prepared to conduct individual visits, communications, and lobbying. Regarding the "Judicial Yuan Organization Act," the Alliance will further communicate with KMT and PFP legislators and, if necessary, does not rule out directly visiting the chairpersons of both parties to secure the early passage of this bill vital to the well-being of all citizens.

Attendees

Professor Ch'ü Hai-yüan　Alliance Convener / Executive Committee Member, Taiwan Association for Human Rights / Taiwan Association for Public Interest (Socio-Cultural Observatory)
Attorney Ch'en Ch'uan-yüeh　President, Taiwan Bar Association
Director T'ien T'ing-fang　Awakening Foundation
Deputy President Chung Kung-chao　Taiwan Confederation of Trade Unions
Attorney Lin Yung-sung　Alliance Executive CEO / Board Director, Judicial Reform Foundation