Taiwan's Constitutional Court: New Justices Nominated Amidst Political Stalemate

Presidential nominations aim to revitalize the Constitutional Court, facing challenges of quorum and legal reform.

Taipei, [Date Placeholder] - In a move to address the ongoing operational challenges of Taiwan's Constitutional Court, the Presidential Office has announced a new slate of nominees for justices. This follows a previous rejection of candidates by the Legislative Yuan, highlighting the political complexities surrounding the court's composition and function.

The nominations aim to fill critical vacancies within the Judicial Yuan, which oversees the Constitutional Court. The Vice President announced the nominations of Tsai Chiu-ming, a prominent prosecutor, and Su Su-e, a respected Supreme Court judge, for the positions of president and vice president of the Judicial Yuan, and justices of the Constitutional Court.

The nominations also included five other highly qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds, including another Supreme Court judge, a head prosecutor, and several esteemed law professors. Their diverse experience and expertise are expected to contribute significantly to the Court's capacity to address a wide range of constitutional matters.

The announcement underscores the importance of restoring the Court's functionality, particularly given the current legislative restrictions which require a minimum number of justices for hearings and rulings. The previous rejection of presidential nominations by the legislature has left the Court significantly understaffed and potentially unable to address key constitutional issues.

The Vice President emphasized the nominees' extensive experience and significant contributions to Taiwanese society. These included their roles in investigations and trials of major corruption cases, such as the La Fayette-class frigates procurement scandal, showcasing their commitment to justice and the recovery of illicit gains.

The current situation of the Constitutional Court highlights a critical juncture for Taiwan's legal framework. The nominees' confirmation hearings will be closely watched as they navigate sensitive issues and work to ensure the Court's ability to function effectively in the face of political and legal challenges.