Justice Shieh Ming-yan has been appointed acting president of the Judicial
Yuan amid bottlenecks in the Legislature's confirmation process for new
justices.

Shieh's appointment came a day after seven justices, including Judicial Yuan
President Hsu Tzong-li and his deputy Tsai Jeong-duen, stepped down on
Thursday after completing their eight-year terms.

Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo urged the Legislature to begin the
confirmation process of the seven justice candidates appointed by Lai on Aug.
30, saying that their taking office soon would enable "the normal operations
of the Judicial Yuan."

The Legislature has yet to schedule any confirmation hearings for these
judicial nominees.

Since the new session began at the end of September, the Legislature has
largely been brought to a standstill by disagreements between the ruling and
opposition parties, including over government budget plans and other
confirmations.

Shieh is one of the eight remaining justices at the Judicial Yuan whose
primary responsibility is to preside over Constitutional Court cases.