Seoul to set up more courts for sex crimes

The Seoul Central District Court is pushing plans to set up more courts that deal with sex offenses, according to court officials on Thursday.

Under the plan, three divisions each consisting of three judges will handle sex crime cases, the court said. Currently, there are two divisions in charge of sex crimes.

The measure is part of the court system’s efforts to strengthen the criminal justice system for sex offenders and bring them to justice.

“The court has faced sweeping changes in the system since the revision of related laws last year, such as the abolishment of a clause defining the crime of rape as subject to the victim’s complaint,” an official from the court said.

The Seoul court has reportedly requested the Office of Court Administration to reinforce the specialized courts with three new judges. The plan is expected to be approved on Feb. 24.

By Suk Gee-hyun (monicasuk@heraldcorp.com)