Perceptions of the Korean Jury System: Current Status and Challenges

Abstract

Jury trials was introduced and enforced in South Korea as of 2008 in order to increasing democratic legitimacy and trust in the judiciary, yet it is facing challenges, specifically low implementation rates and high exclusion rates. Potential reasons for these issues are limitations inherent in the system, low awareness among the public, and the tendency of law professionals to avoid jury trials. This study examined the perceptions of legal professionals, the general public, and jurors using a survey. Results showed that legal professionals do not prefer jury trials and think that jury trials do not fit the current Korean judicial system while the majority of citizens are in favor of the jury system. Based on the survey results, we emphasize the necessity of active efforts for a legislative resolution on the final form of jury trials and its implementation in the court system.