Constitutional Court Sets Date for Yoon’s Impeachment Trial
The Constitutional Court of South Korea has announced that it will hold its first preparatory hearing for the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 27, marking the beginning of the judicial procedures for his impeachment trial.
Preparatory Hearing Schedules
The court has scheduled the preparatory hearing to begin at 2 pm on December 27, which will review arguments and relevant evidence related to the impeachment motion. The hearing will be open to the public, and while President Yoon is generally required to attend the hearings, he is not obligated to be present at the first hearing.
Background and Context
The National Assembly passed an impeachment motion against President Yoon on Saturday, suspending his presidential powers and handing the decision over his fate to the Constitutional Court. The motion was a result of his short-lived imposition of martial law on December 3.
Court’s Procedures
The court has stated that it is "in the process" of delivering a copy of the request of adjudication for Yoon’s impeachment to him and requesting his response. However, Yoon is not required to make a response. The court has also designated the lead justice for the case through an electronic draw, but will keep the designation confidential, citing a "decision of the justices."
Evidence Examination and Trial
The court has appointed two justices responsible for evidence examination in Yoon’s trial. Regarding the current vacancy in three justices’ positions, out of the total of nine, the court said it is possible to proceed with the trial with the six-member bench. Under the existing panel, consent from all six justices is required for the impeachment to be upheld.
Vacancy Filling and Confirmation Hearings
Rival parties have selected candidates for the three vacancies, and a special parliamentary committee has been formed to hold confirmation hearings for their appointments. Upon parliamentary approval, acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will formally appoint the justices. The National Assembly has said that it plans to finalise the process of filling the positions by the end of the year.
Task Force and Public Hearings
The court has formed a task force of about 10 court officials to review the facts and other legal issues to provide the justices with relevant details needed for their deliberations. Once the court has completed its preparations, the impeachment hearings will take place in a public manner.
Conclusion
The Constitutional Court’s decision to hold a preparatory hearing on December 27 marks a significant milestone in the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk Yeol. The court’s procedures and timeline for the trial have been set in motion, and the public can expect to witness a high-stakes hearing that could potentially lead to the removal of the President from office.
FAQs
Q: What is the date of the preparatory hearing?
A: December 27
Q: Will the preparatory hearing be open to the public?
A: Yes
Q: Is President Yoon required to attend the preparatory hearing?
A: No, he is not obligated to be present at the first hearing
Q: How long does the court have to deliver a ruling on the impeachment trial?
A: Up to 180 days
Q: What are the consequences of a successful impeachment trial?
A: If upheld, President Yoon will become the second president to be ousted, triggering a snap presidential election within 60 days.