President Chen and his party, the DPP, have made all-out efforts to find ways to obstruct the court trial of the first lady and high government officials implicated in corruption scandals, including seeking constitutional interpretations of whether the presidential immunity from prosecution is temporary or for life and whether the immunity covers the first lady. Even though mere common sense can tell that some of the reasons given by the president and his lawyers for their requests are unjustified and ridiculous, Chen is still being firmly backed by his party and die-hard supporters.

The pressure exerted by the executive branch on the judiciary is overwhelming, indeed, some of which come in the form of naked personal threats. Under these circumstances, it is not difficult to understand the frustration and low morale of the members of the court, who are also human beings. But, they must be reminded that they may be dismayed but they can and should never be discouraged. They must realize that, first, their job is secure for life regardless of whatever the administration intends to do to them. Second, their bosses, such as the minister of justice and the prosecutor-general, are appointed by the government and hence they are subject to much greater pressure from the top. It is not surprising that, to protect their position, very often they have no choice but to follow the directives from above, even against their own conscience. Third, conscientious prosecutors and judges are the last defense of justice in the Taiwan democracy, and some of their courageous colleagues have already set good examples in handling cases involving the first family. Fourth, all decent local residents support the determination of the court to safeguard democracy.

In his last-ditch desperate attempts to save himself and his family, President Chen has resorted to all kinds of measures, legal or not, to pull through the crisis. If his efforts succeed, he will possess absolute imperial power in modern times, as many knowledgeable observers have asserted. This would be a shocking tragedy in world history. Therefore, it is the greatest duty of all people here, the court in particular, to strive to prevent such a disaster from happening.

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