Sentencing guidelines promulgated by Korea’s supreme court

This editorial from The Korea Times, headlined “Eight Major Crimes Subject to Tougher Punishment,” provides a window into how similar sentencing issues get discussed and debated around the world.  Here are excerpts:

The Supreme Court has introduced sentencing guidelines for eight major crimes in order to ensure fair trials and the rule of law. Bribery, embezzlement, breach of trust, murder, rape, robbery, perjury and false accusations will be subject to tougher punishment from July.

We hope that judges will sincerely implement the guidelines to ensure fairness and objectivity in handing down sentences to those indicted.  As the top court insisted, the goal of the guidelines is to restore public trust in the justice system.  No one can deny that judges have often been too lenient with politicians, bureaucrats and businessmen accused of bribery, influence peddling, embezzlement and other forms of corruption.

History shows that political heavyweights, ranking officials and business tycoons have been given lighter sentences than what they should have received for grave criminal acts.  In many corruption cases, prosecutors have usually demanded harsher punishments for the suspects, but judges have given suspended prison terms to the accused in many cases, sparking controversy over the justice system….

According to the sentencing guidelines, those receiving 50 million or more in bribes will be given at least three years and six months in prison if convicted and will not be allowed to enjoy suspended jail terms.  In addition, those taking more than 500 million won in bribes may face life imprisonment, with a minimum sentence calling for seven years in jail.  The harsher punishment rules certainly reflect the Supreme Court’s strong willingness to get tough with corrupt politicians, bureaucrats and businessmen.