Editorial

15:00 JST, April 21, 2025

Calls are growing for a review of the system that allows the judgment of private citizens to bring a mandatory indictment in cases in which prosecutors had decided not to indict. This is occurring because defendants are often left in a state of instability for long periods of time, and many cases end up with acquittal.

The state should examine past cases and consider mechanisms to ensure that the purpose of the system is appropriately reflected, such as narrowing the scope of cases that are subject to mandatory indictment.

The mandatory indictment system was introduced in 2009 along with the lay judge system. Its purpose is to allow private citizens to review prosecutors’ decisions and reflect their opinions in the judicial system.

The Committee for the Inquest of Prosecution, consisting of 11 members selected by lottery among eligible voters,........

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