A small yet fundamental change will be here in the courtroom. Under existing law, defendants are seated across from the judge, away from their lawyers. But that's expected to change. Currently, defendants are seated in positions that make it difficult for them to consult with their attorneys. And the seating has been a cause of uneasiness and insecurity for the accused. In other nations such as the United States and Germany, defendants sit next to their lawyers which not only allows them to seek help when necessary but also symbolisms their 'innocent' status until proven otherwise.

Traditionally the defendant in a criminal procedure has been treated as an object and there's been very little notion of rights or needs for protection. But that has changed. And the current attempt to rearrange the seating plan does reflect the changed notion.

This is just one of the many changes yet to be made. Other plans to enhance the defendants' basic rights include coming up with a non-monetary bail system so that juveniles and individuals without the financial means can be released on bail for misdemeanors and providing pro bono lawyers for individuals who cannot afford private attorneys.

With lengthy legal procedures needed in making such revisions and with no deadlines in place, it remains to be seen when and whether these programs will actually be introduced. While many experts do acknowledge the significance of these efforts by the judiciary to promote human rights in the court system, they're also saying, the drive for reform has only just begun.

Arirang TV