Constitutional Clash: Presidential Veto Used on Court Act Amendment
Table of Contents
Seoul – Prime minister Han Duk-soo, invoking presidential authority, announced a veto of a recently passed amendment to the Constitutional Court Act, citing concerns over its constitutionality and potential conflicts with established governance principles.
Concerns Over Separation of Powers
According to a government official, the veto was exercised due to the amendment’s potential to undermine the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution. The official, speaking at the Seoul Government Complex, stated, “This amendment addresses basic aspects of governance structure and the division of power, raising serious constitutional questions.”
Specific Objections to the Amendment
The primary objection centers on the process for appointing constitutional judges. The current system allows the president to appoint three members, while the Supreme Court nominates three others. The amendment, according to the official, seeks to alter this balance.
The Constitution does not place specific restrictions on the scope of presidential authority in this matter.
– Government Official
Further concerns were raised regarding the amendment’s provisions on judicial terms. “Article 112(1) of the Constitution clearly stipulates a six-year term for constitutional judges,” the official noted. “However, this amendment contradicts that spirit by allowing judges whose terms have expired to remain in office until a successor is appointed.”
Another point of contention involves the scenario where the National Assembly or the Chief Justice fail to appoint a constitutional judge within seven days. The amendment stipulates that in such cases, the appointment is automatically considered complete. This, the government argues, could infringe upon the president’s constitutional right to appoint officials.
“We comprehensively considered these problems of damaging the Constitution, and gather the opinions of the State Council to demand the National Assembly for the amendment of the Constitutional Court Act.”
Background of the Amendment
The amendment in question was initially proposed by the Democratic Party on [Date]. Later, on [Date], the agency nominated Lee Wan-kyu, head of the Seoul High Court, as a candidate for the presidential constitutional judge.
Details of the Disputed Provisions
Under the amendment, the president’s ability to appoint constitutional judges would be significantly curtailed. The appointments made by the National Assembly and the Supreme Court would become unconditional, and if no appointment is made within seven days, it would be automatically considered valid.Furthermore, incumbent judges would remain in their positions until their successors are appointed.
Unanimous Support for the Veto
Prior to the State Council meeting, no commissioners voiced opposition to the exercise of the presidential veto, indicating unanimous support within the council.
Vetoes Under the Yoon Administration
With this latest action, the number of legislative measures vetoed since the inauguration of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration has risen to 42, with eight of those vetoes specifically related to legislation passed by the agency.
constitutional Clash: presidential Veto of Court Act Amendment – A Q&A
Q: What’s the core issue at hand in this news?
A: Prime Minister Han Duk-soo, acting on presidential authority, has vetoed a recently passed amendment to the Constitutional Court Act. The veto was issued due to concerns about the amendment’s constitutionality and its potential to disrupt established governance principles.
Q: What specific concerns led to the veto?
A: The government is primarily concerned that the amendment could undermine the separation of powers as defined in the Constitution. A government official highlighted that the amendment touches on essential aspects of governance and the division of power, raising significant constitutional questions.
Q: How does the amendment possibly impact the appointment of constitutional judges?
A: The main point of contention revolves around the procedure for appointing constitutional judges. Currently, the President appoints three judges, and the Supreme Court nominates three others. The amendment aims to change this balance.
Q: What other concerns were raised related to the judicial terms of the judges?
A: The amendment was also criticized for contradicting the stipulations of Article 112(1) of the Constitution, notably regarding the terms of constitutional judges. The Constitution states a six-year term, but the amendment would allow judges whose terms have ended to remain in office untill a successor is appointed.
Q: What about the process if the National Assembly or Chief Justice fail to appoint a judge?
A: Another concern involves the scenario where the National Assembly or the Chief Justice do not appoint a constitutional judge within seven days. The amendment dictates that in this instance, the appointment is automatically considered complete. The government believes this could infringe on the president’s constitutional right to appoint officials.
Q: What specific changes would the amendment bring about regarding the appointments?
A: The amendment would considerably curtail the president’s role in appointing constitutional judges. appointments from the National Assembly and the Supreme Court would become unconditional, and automatic validation would occur if an appointment is not made within seven days. Furthermore,incumbent judges could remain in their positions until replacements are found.
Q: What was the background of the amendment’s proposal?
A: The Democratic Party initially proposed the amendment. The agency later nominated Lee Wan-kyu, head of the Seoul high Court, as a candidate for a presidential constitutional judge on [Date].
Q: Was there any opposition to the veto within the government?
A: No. Prior to the State Council meeting, all commissioners unanimously supported the exercise of the presidential veto.
Q: How many vetoes has the Yoon Seok-yeol governance issued?
A: Including this recent action, the Yoon Seok-yeol administration has used its veto power 42 times. Eight of those were specifically related to legislation passed by the agency.
Q: Can you summarize the key objections to this amendment in a table?
A:
| Issue | current System | Amendment’s Impact | Government’s Concern |
| :————————- | :———————————————- | :————————————————- | :————————————————- |
| Judge Appointments | President appoints 3, Supreme Court nominates 3 | Seeks to alter this balance. | Undermines the separation of powers. |
| Judicial Terms | Six-year term as per Article 112(1) | Allows judges to remain in office past term expiry. | Contradicts constitutional principles. |
| Appointment Deadline | no automatic appointment.| Appointment is automatically complete after 7 days. | Infringes on Presidential appointment authority. |
