Panel to Consider Expanding Victims’ Involvement in Criminal Proceedings

Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi has asked an advisory panel to consider ways to expand the involvement of crime victims and bereaved families in criminal proceedings. The Legislative Council will discuss whether to allow such individuals to attend pretrial procedures to clarify issues and establish a trial plan, and will also consider the need to revise relevant legislation.

Currently, there is no legal provision allowing victims to participate in or observe pretrial procedures involving the court, prosecutors, and defense lawyers. If victims wish to participate, prosecutors consider the reasons behind the request and the existence and extent of any potential drawbacks of their participation before conveying the request to the court.