DAEGU, South Korea – As part of an effort to reform its legal system, a nine-member jury trial was held on Tuesday for the first time in South Korea’s legal history.

The new juries will only be used in certain criminal cases. Its findings are non-binding, however, and judges will retain the final say in verdicts and sentences.

South Korea’s judicial system is considered by many to be outdated, a remnant of its former authoritarian rule. The system is undergoing gradual changes since the National Assembly agreed last May to introduce changes including giving testimony and evidence greater weight.

Following the trial, the court president said the innovation was “a significant step to not only improve human rights, but also to win the public’s trust.”

For more information, please see:

The Korea Times – Nation’s First Trial by Jury Held at Daegu District Court – 12 February 2008

BBC – S Korea holds first trial by jury 12 February 2008

Economic Times – South Korea launches jury system – 12 February 2008