III. THE KOREAN DISTRICT COURT (U)
A. (U) Scope: The court system of Korea has been explained

previously (See pp- 18-27, CLSFTROK). Subsequent to enactment of the

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amendments by the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction, members

of the SJA Section, Eighth U.S. Army, attended numerous proceedings in
the Seoul and the Chunchon District Courts to observe the trial of
criminal cases. The purpose of these observations was to observe the
enviranpment of the court, its procedural practices, and to determine
the advocacy of the parties, particularly in view of recent amendments

to the Code of Criminal Procedure.

B. (U) Organization of the Seoul and Chunchon District Courts.
The Seoul District Court is composed of three departments, each comprised
of three judges. In addition, there are twelve one-judge sections.
The one-judge sections try only misdemeanors and felonies for which the
punishment is less than two years imprisonment. Of the three departments,
only one, the third department, sits as 4 trial court of first impression.
It tries primarily the more serious felonies although there is no limita-
tion on its jurisdiction, and it occasionally tries less serious cases.
The other two departments exercise appellate jurisdiction over the one-
judge sections. Appeals are heard primarily on the summarized record
prepared by the court clerk. The court clerk records what he considers
to be the important questions and answers during the trial, particularly,
the testimony of an accused. The appellate court frequently calls the
accused to provide any additional information considered necessary to
the court's determination of the issue involved. Generally, the inquiry

js summary in nature. Although authorized to call other witnesses,

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