지방의회 입법보좌관제도의 도입 필요성과 법적 문제

Korea is making great efforts to enhance democracy and local governments. Cases in point are the relocation of administrative capital and transfer of national affairs to outside of Seoul, which have gradually increased the local government’s capacities and workload and thus have brought about the need for the local assemblies to become more professional and efficient. However, the level of professionalism and efficiency did not meet the required level. This is because of a lack of manpower to support the improvement in practice. Currently, institutions that provide aid to local assembly members are the expert members and the secretariat, which are not sufficient to fulfill the need. Moreover, authority to appoint them held by the heads of the local governments makes it difficult to voice their own opinions. In light of these circumstances, I propose that the legislative aide system be adopted. Among local governments currently working toward the adoption of the legislative aide system are the Seoul City Assembly and Gyeong-gi Provincial Assembly. These two have enacted ordinances to adopt the legislative aide system, but the Supreme Court has struck them down, rendering such ineffective. Nonetheless, the two local governments are continuing to pursue this goal, and more local governments are participating in this effort. As a means of adopting the legislative aide system, it is required to establish such through the amendment of the Local Government Law in principle. As an exception, the legislative intern system was proposed. Another effective measure would be the transfer of the power to appoint and dismiss expert advisers and the secretariat to the local assembly, which will enable them to have higher professionalism. The enhancement in the legislative activities and professionalism of the local assemblies through the adoption of the legislative aide system will greatly benefit the right and welfare of the local communities.