About 150 constitutional court judges and renowned scholars from around the world will gather in Seoul next month to explore the role of such courts and the separation of powers.
The Constitutional Court of Korea said yesterday that it will hold a symposium from Sept. 1 to 4, in celebration of its 20th anniversary, bringing together presidents of constitutional and other high-level courts.
"I am convinced that the symposium will serve as a driving force in enhancing constitutional adjudication systems and promoting human rights by exchanging and deepening our views on the role and scope of constitutional justice under the modern notion of separation of powers," said Lee Kang-kook, the president of Korea's Constitutional Court.
According to a press release, judges from 29 countries including Gabon, Greece, Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan will be attending.
Participants will also include representatives from the Venice Commission, Conference of Constitutional Control Organs of Countries of Young Democracy, Union of Arab Constitutional Courts and Councils, Conference of the European Constitutional Courts and Association of Constitutional Courts using the French language.
English will be the official language of the event; Korean, French, Russian and Spanish interpretation will be provided. The seminars will address separation of powers in the modern sense, the future role and direction of constitutional courts, political problems, the relationship between a constitutional court and other government organs and more.
Established in 1988, the Constitutional Court of Korea has gained respect for its role in defending people’s rights. A joint survey by the JoongAng Ilbo and the East Asia Institute showed in June that it was ranked fifth in both trust and influence among 25 power groups, including major political parties, civic groups, the Blue House and the police.