TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Constitutional Court justice nominee Lin Li-ying (林麗瑩) faced scrutiny from opposition lawmakers during a legislative questioning session, addressing concerns over her political background, detention practices, and the role of justices in upholding the Constitution.
TPP Legislator Lin Yi-chun (林憶君) questioned Lin Li-ying on what she described as a background aligned with the ruling DPP, per CNA. In response, Lin argued that appointing former prosecutors as justices can broaden the perspective of the Constitutional Court.
Lin Li-ying also emphasized that she is not closely connected to President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) administration.
When pressed further on the use of detention, particularly in cases where it may be used to coerce confessions, Lin stressed that prosecutors must seek approval from the courts before detaining suspects. She noted that Taiwan’s detention rate is low by international standards.
KMT Legislator Su Ching-chuan (蘇清泉) questioned Lin on the role of Constitutional Court justices and the legality of the death penalty, per Liberty Times. Lin clarified that the primary responsibility of justices is to handle constitutional matters.
On the death penalty, Lin stated that it is currently constitutional and, as an acting prosecutor, she will act in accordance with the law. However, she emphasized that decisions about its abolition or retention fall under the purview of political institutions, not the judiciary.
Su also asked about the growing problem of fraud. Lin responded that addressing fraud requires a coordinated, three-pronged approach involving law enforcement, administrative rule-making, and legislative action to ensure proper legal frameworks are in place.
