형소법 개정에 필요한 우리들의 자세, 두려움 [뉴스룸에서]

The landmark ending of the 1960s American New Cinema classic "Graduation" is a widely recognized scene. In the film, protagonist Benjamin (played by Dustin Hoffman) enters the ceremony hall to join a woman named Elaine. Together, they exuberantly celebrate the breaking of traditional norms, only to be followed by anxious thoughts about the future.

On July 31st, 2026, the image of Benjamin lingered in the National Assembly, after the passage of the Criminal Procedure Act amendment. The Democratic Party, led by President Moon Jae-in, cheered and applauded after the amendment, which included the abolition of prosecutorial authority, was passed. This change, which is more akin to hard-hitting drama than the romantic plot of the film, is ultimately about the question, "Now what?"

For the average person, the impact of the amendment will become clear in a myriad of bills. In the field of criminal justice, where the power dynamics between the state and individuals are the most imbalanced, the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act serve as the minimum safeguards against state overreach. The "one person" who may one day become "me" must be protected at all costs, and thus, extreme caution is required when making even the slightest changes to the law.

The Democratic Party's actions during the legislation process contrast sharply with their rhetoric. After passing the bill on July 24th, it took only one week to process the bill on July 31st. The one-week delay, which also saw very few hearings from opposition parties, is difficult to defend. The Democratic Party's "law enforcement reform" narrative is particularly contradictory.

While dismantling the Public Prosecutors' Office, the party showed no criticism of the nationwide deployment of the Special Investigation and Investigation Division, which installs a comprehensive investigation system. It is hard to explain how this party, which insists on the absolute necessity of separating investigation and prosecution, can simultaneously support the seamless operation of the combined investigation team.

The most shocking moment came from a recent televised meeting at the Blue House, where President Yoon Seok-yoo questioned the need for changes to the Criminal Procedure Act. The comments from the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Home Affairs seemed as unsettling as a pilot questioning plane maintenance. The lawmakers who rushed to amend the Criminal Procedure Act into oblivion have demonstrated that they are filled with fear.

Everyone, from the local shopkeeper to the lawmakers, must approach this change with trepidation. The upcoming amendments to the criminal justice system on October 2nd will bring about massive changes and unforeseen consequences. The possibility of thorough preparation for the implementation is close to zero. The individuals involved are not mere experimental subjects, their lives are at stake.

There is no turning back once the train leaves the station, and sufficient preparation must be made to ensure stability before the journey begins.