News
Premier and academics challenge constitutional court amendments
Premier Cho Jung-tai and 90 academics are criticising recent changes to the Constitutional Court Procedure Act, calling it a threat to judicial independence and citizens' rights.
Passed in December by the KMT and TPP, the law requires nine of fifteen justices to agree before ruling a law unconstitutional. Cho is describing the amendments as the most severe disruption to Taiwan's constitutional order and urged opposition lawmakers to reconsider their stance.
Academics are echoing his concerns, saying the changes weaken the court's ability to safeguard basic rights.
The KMT argues the amendments improve judicial rigor and address alleged bias under the ruling DPP. A revote is expected soon, but the KMT's legislative majority makes it likely the changes will stand.
The court currently operates with only eight justices after recent legislative rejections of nominees.
