South Korea’s top judge advocates for justice for the vulnerable
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Chief Justice Jo Hee-dae of South Korea’s Supreme Court stated that laws should protect the vulnerable rather than serve as tools for governance.
He made this assertion at the first Sejong Law and Culture Awards ceremony in Seoul, where he presented awards to Justice Martha Karambu Koome, the first female Chief Justice of Kenya, and the Korean Association of Family Law Counseling.
Chief Justice Jo explained that King Sejong, a historical Korean monarch, prioritised the people and sought to establish just legal practices. King Sejong created the Hangul alphabet to allow everyone, including those without privilege, to seek legal recourse and protect their rights. The Chief Justice stressed that no one should be excluded from legal protection, aligning with the modern value of safeguarding vulnerable communities.
The Sejong Law and Culture Award, co-established by the Supreme Court of South Korea and the World Bank, recognises individuals and organisations that contribute to the rule of law, legal culture, and the protection of vulnerable groups. The award is inspired by King Sejong’s people-centred legal philosophy. This year’s recipients were selected through a review committee of experts, following recommendations from various groups.
Justice Koome of Kenya has worked to protect the rights of women, children, and other vulnerable populations, while also improving public access to justice. The Korean Association of Family Law Counseling, founded in 1956, provides legal assistance to victims of domestic violence, single-parent families, multicultural families, and people with low incomes. David Sullivan, Deputy General Counsel of the World Bank, attended the ceremony and affirmed that a fair judicial system promotes human dignity and development.
