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Law expert dies from a heart attack

"Both [President] Chen and [Vice President] Lu mourn the loss of a respected legal scholar."

James Huang, Presidential Office spokesman

A grand justice nominee chosen by President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) died from a sudden heart attack yesterday.

Fa Chih-pin (法治斌), a National Chengchi University law professor, died from heart failure at Taipei Municipal Jenai Hospital at 7:40am at the age of 52.

Fa's death came as a surprise to his family, friends and politicians because he had just been given a clean bill of health last month as a qualification for nomination as a member of the Council of Grand Justices. He did not have a history of heart problems, his family said.

Jenai doctors said Fa's heart and lungs stopped functioning while he was being rushed to the hospital at 6:30am. Although doctors tried to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Initial diagnoses showed that Fa might have died from acute myocardial infraction, a Jenai spokesman said, but he added that further examinations would be needed to determine the real cause of death.

Presidential Office spokesman James Huang (黃志芳) said both Chen and Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) were shocked and saddened by Fa's death.

"Both Chen and Lu mourn the loss of an outstanding and respected legal scholar," Huang said, adding that they have extended condolences to Fa's family.

As to whether Chen will name another candidate to serve on the Council of Grand Justices, Huang said the issue requires further study.

"We have never encountered this kind of situation before. We should review legal regulations before a decision can be made," Huang said.

Fa, who held a doctoral law degree from the University of Virginia, was among the 15 candidates for the Council of Grand Justices nominated by Chen on May 19. The nomination is pending confirmation by the Legislative Yuan.

Chen originally hoped that the legislature could confirm the roster in the legislative session that ended on June 6. The opposition-controlled legislature, however, decided to review the nominees in the next session. The terms of the incumbent justices will expire on Sept. 30.

Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) also said he was saddened by Fa's death.

"He was one of my best friends. He was a talented and devoted scholar. He had recently been invited to serve as a US Fulbright scholar," Ma said.

Fa's wife, Chang Ming-chu (張明珠), is chairwoman of the Commission for Examining Petitions and Appeals under the Taipei City Government.

Fa was an expert on the Constitution and administrative law. He had written many books and articles on various legal subjects. He was also an ardent human rights advocate and had written several books on human rights protection.
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