Juveniles Act
少年法
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Chapter I General Provisions
第一章 総則
第一条(この法律の目的)
The purpose of this Act is to promote the sound development of juveniles, while correcting character flaws and modifying the environment of delinquent juveniles through disposition for rehabilitation of the adjudicated delinquents, and implementing special measures for juvenile criminal cases.
この法律は、少年の健全な育成を期し、非行のある少年に対して性格の矯正及び環境の調整に関する保護処分を行うとともに、少年の刑事事件について特別の措置を講ずることを目的とする。
第二条(定義)
In this Act, the term "juvenile" refers to a person under 20 years of age.
この法律において「少年」とは、二十歳に満たない者をいう。
Section 1 General Rules
第一節 通則
Article 3Juveniles Subject to Trial and Decision
第三条(審判に付すべき少年)
A juvenile to whom any of the following items applies is subjected to a trial and decision of the family court:
次に掲げる少年は、これを家庭裁判所の審判に付する。
a juvenile under 14 years of age whose actions violate criminal laws or regulations;
十四歳に満たないで刑罰法令に触れる行為をした少年
a juvenile who, due to any of the following reasons and taking into consideration the juvenile's character or environment, is likely to commit a crime or violate criminal laws or regulations:
次に掲げる事由があつて、その性格又は環境に照して、将来、罪を犯し、又は刑罰法令に触れる行為をする虞のある少年
has a tendency not to abide by their parent or guardian's proper supervision;
保護者の正当な監督に服しない性癖のあること。
stays away from home without just cause;
正当の理由がなく家庭に寄り附かないこと。
associates with persons of a criminal nature or who are immoral, or frequent questionable places;
犯罪性のある人若しくは不道徳な人と交際し、又はいかがわしい場所に出入すること。
has a tendency to act in a way that harms one's own moral character or that of others.
自己又は他人の徳性を害する行為をする性癖のあること。
The family court may subject a juvenile, as prescribed in item (ii) of the preceding paragraph or a juvenile as prescribed in item (iii) of that paragraph, who is under 14 years of age to a trial and decision only when a prefectural governor or a director of a child guidance center refers the juvenile to the family court.
Article 4Assistant Judge's Authority
第四条(判事補の職権)
An assistant judge may give a judicial decision, other than the ruling prescribed in Article 20, paragraph (1), by themselves.
第二十条第一項の決定以外の裁判は、判事補が一人でこれをすることができる。
第五条(管轄)
Jurisdiction for protection cases is based on the place where the juvenile committed the act, their domicile or residence, or current location.
保護事件の管轄は、少年の行為地、住所、居所又は現在地による。
The family court, by a ruling, may transfer a case to another family court with jurisdiction if the court finds it particularly necessary to ensure appropriate protection of the juvenile.
家庭裁判所は、保護の適正を期するため特に必要があると認めるときは、決定をもつて、事件を他の管轄家庭裁判所に移送することができる。
If the family court finds that a case is not under its jurisdiction, by a ruling, it must transfer the case to a family court that does have jurisdiction.
家庭裁判所は、事件がその管轄に属しないと認めるときは、決定をもつて、これを管轄家庭裁判所に移送しなければならない。
Article 5-2Inspection and Copying of Records by the Victim
第五条の二(被害者等による記録の閲覧及び謄写)
Changes by (Act No. 39 of 2025)
If, after the ruling prescribed by Article 21 is made, the victim, etc. of the protection case (meaning the victim, the victim's statutory agent or their spouse, lineal relative or sibling, if the victim has died or suffers serious mental or physical conditions; this also applies below) or the attorney appointed by the victim, etc. requests pursuant to the Rules of the Supreme Court to inspect or copy the records retained by the court on the relevant protection case as specified in Article 3, paragraph (1), item (i) or (ii) (except those collected by the family court exclusively for its determination on the need for protection of the juvenile, and those created or collected by a family court investigating officer that contribute to the family court's determination on the need for protection of the juvenile) , the court authorizes the applicant to inspect or copy the records, except when the court finds the request for inspection or copying has been filed on unjust grounds or the court finds it inappropriate to permit inspection or copying considering the impact it will have on the sound development of the juvenile, the nature of the case, the status of investigation or trial and decision, or other circumstances.
裁判所は、第三条第一項第一号又は第二号に掲げる少年に係る保護事件について、第二十一条の決定があつた後、最高裁判所規則の定めるところにより当該保護事件の被害者等(被害者又はその法定代理人若しくは被害者が死亡した場合若しくはその心身に重大な故障がある場合におけるその配偶者、直系の親族若しくは兄弟姉妹をいう。以下同じ。)又は被害者等から委託を受けた弁護士から、その保管する当該保護事件の記録(家庭裁判所が専ら当該少年の保護の必要性を判断するために収集したもの及び家庭裁判所調査官が家庭裁判所による当該少年の保護の必要性の判断に資するよう作成し又は収集したものを除く。)の閲覧又は謄写の申出があるときは、閲覧又は謄写を求める理由が正当でないと認める場合及び少年の健全な育成に対する影響、事件の性質、調査又は審判の状況その他の事情を考慮して閲覧又は謄写をさせることが相当でないと認める場合を除き、申出をした者にその閲覧又は謄写をさせるものとする。
The request stated in the preceding paragraph may not be filed, when three years have passed since the ruling to close the protection case on the request had become final and binding.
前項の申出は、その申出に係る保護事件を終局させる決定が確定した後三年を経過したときは、することができない。
The person who inspected or copied the records pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) must neither divulge the name or other matters concerning personal circumstances of the juvenile acquired through the inspection or copying without reasonable grounds nor use any matters obtained through the inspection or copying in an unauthorized manner to hinder the sound development of the juvenile, damage the reputation or peaceful existence of any person concerned, or cause impediment to an investigation, or trial and decision.
Article 5-3Inspection or Copying Fee
第五条の三(閲覧又は謄写の手数料)
Changes by (Act No. 53 of 2023)
The provisions of Articles 7 through 10 and row 1 of Appended Table 3 (excluding the phrase "excluding those requested by the party, etc. while the case is pending" in the left-hand column of that row) of the Act on the Costs of Civil Proceedings (Act No. 40 of 1971) apply mutatis mutandis to the fee for inspection or copying of the record pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article unless contrary to its nature.
Section 2 Notification, Investigation by Police Officers
第二節 通告、警察官の調査等
第六条(通告)
A person who has discovered a juvenile who should be subjected to a trial and decision of the family court, must notify the family court of this.
家庭裁判所の審判に付すべき少年を発見した者は、これを家庭裁判所に通告しなければならない。
A police officer or the parent or guardian may directly notify the child guidance center regarding a juvenile, if it is found appropriate to subject the juvenile prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1), item (iii) to the measures under the Child Welfare Act (Act No. 164 of 1947) instead of direct referral or notification to the family court.
Article 6-2Investigation by Police Officers
第六条の二(警察官等の調査)
A police officer may conduct an investigation on a case, if they discover a person that they have reasonable grounds to suspect, based on objective circumstances and in a reasonable manner, is a juvenile as specified in Article 3, paragraph (1), item (ii), if necessary.
The investigation stated in the preceding paragraph is to be conducted to clarify the facts of the case, while taking into consideration the protection of the juvenile's emotional stability, and as a result contributing to the measures for the juvenile's sound development.
A police officer may have police personnel (other than police officers) with expertise in juvenile psychology and other characteristics to conduct an investigation (excluding the dispositions prescribed in Article 6-5, paragraph (1)) pursuant to the Rules of the National Public Safety Commission.
Article 6-3Attendant During Investigation
第六条の三(調査における付添人)
The juvenile and parent or guardian may, at any time, appoint an attendant who is an attorney-at-law for the investigation as prescribed in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article.
Article 6-4Summons, Questioning and Report Request
第六条の四(呼出し、質問、報告の要求)
A police officer may summon the juvenile, the parent or guardian, or person of reference for questioning, if necessary for the investigation.
The questioning stated in the preceding paragraph must not be conducted forcibly.
前項の質問に当たつては、強制にわたることがあつてはならない。
A police officer may inquire to public offices, or public or private organizations, about reporting any necessary matters relating to the investigation.
警察官は、調査について、公務所又は公私の団体に照会して必要な事項の報告を求めることができる。
Article 6-5Seizure, Search, Inspection, Expert Examination Request, etc.
第六条の五(押収、捜索、検証、鑑定嘱託等)
A police officer may, when necessary for conducting an investigation of a case concerning a juvenile prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1), item (ii), conduct seizure (including an order to provide electronic or magnetic records prescribed in Article 102-2, paragraph (1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Act No. 131 of 1948) (limited to an order for provision by the method prescribed in item (i), (a) of that paragraph); the same applies in the following paragraph and Article 15), search, an order to provide electronic or magnetic records prescribed in Article 102-2, paragraph (1) of that Code (limited to an order for provision by the method prescribed in (b) of that item; referred to simply as the "order to provide electronic or magnetic records" in the following paragraph and Article 15), inspection, or request for an expert examination.
The provisions in the Code of Criminal Procedure for seizure, search, order to provide electronic or magnetic records, inspection, and request for an expert examination to be conducted by judicial police officer (excluding Article 224 of that Code) apply mutatis mutandis to the case referred to in the preceding paragraph. In this case, the term "judicial police officer" in these provisions is deemed to be replaced with "police officer who is a judicial police officer" and the term "judicial constable" with "police officer who is a judicial constable"; in Article 499, paragraph (1) of that Code, the term "public prosecutor" is deemed to be replaced with "Superintendent General of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, Chief of Prefectural Police Headquarters, or Police Station Chief" and the term "Cabinet Order" with "the Rules of the National Public Safety Commission"; and in paragraph (3) of that Article, the term "national treasury" is deemed to be replaced with "prefecture where the relevant prefectural police or police station is located".
Article 6-6Referral by Police Officer
第六条の六(警察官の送致等)
Changes by (Act No. 39 of 2025)
A police officer must refer the case, together with the documents on the investigation, to the director of a child guidance center, if the case falls under any of the following items as a result of the investigation:
警察官は、調査の結果、次の各号のいずれかに該当するときは、当該調査に係る書類とともに事件を児童相談所長に送致しなければならない。
a case concerning a juvenile as prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1), item (ii), in which they are considered to have committed a violation of criminal laws and regulations concerning the following crimes:
an intentional criminal act which caused the death of a victim
故意の犯罪行為により被害者を死亡させた罪
beyond what is stated in item (a), any crime punishable by death penalty, or imprisonment for life or imprisonment with a minimum term of two years or more
イに掲げるもののほか、死刑又は無期若しくは短期二年以上の拘禁刑に当たる罪
any case, in addition to what is prescribed in the preceding item, when it is considered appropriate to refer a case involving a juvenile as prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1), item (ii), to a family court for trial and decision.
Changes by (Act No. 39 of 2025)
The police officer must send the family court any evidence obtained in relation to a case referred to the director of a child guidance center pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph if the measures prescribed in Article 27, paragraph (1), item (iv) of the Child Welfare Act have been implemented.
警察官は、前項の規定により児童相談所長に送致した事件について、児童福祉法第二十七条第一項第四号の措置がとられた場合において、証拠物があるときは、これを家庭裁判所に送付しなければならない。
If a police officer notifies a child guidance center of a juvenile subject to investigation pursuant to the provisions of Article 25, paragraph (1) of the Child Welfare Act, except when the case is referred pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1), then the police officer is to provide the child guidance center with the outline and results of the investigation which will serve as a reference for the implementation of measures under that Act, pursuant to the provisions of the Rules of the National Public Safety Commission.
Article 6-7Referral by a Prefectural Governor or Director of a Child Guidance Center
第六条の七(都道府県知事又は児童相談所長の送致)
A prefectural governor or a director of a child guidance center must implement the measures prescribed in Article 27, paragraph (1), item (iv) of the Child Welfare Act in a case referred to the governor or the director pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article (limited to the part concerning item (i)); provided, however, that this does not apply when it is found unnecessary to do so as a result of the investigation.
If it is necessary to take a compulsory measure, that may unintentionally restrict or deprive the child's freedom, to a juvenile to whom the Child Welfare Act applies, a prefectural governor or a director of a child guidance center must refer the case to the family court, except when it is found to be permitted to take the measures pursuant to the provisions of Articles 33, 33-2 and 47 of that Act.
都道府県知事又は児童相談所長は、児童福祉法の適用がある少年について、たまたま、その行動の自由を制限し、又はその自由を奪うような強制的措置を必要とするときは、同法第三十三条、第三十三条の二及び第四十七条の規定により認められる場合を除き、これを家庭裁判所に送致しなければならない。
Article 7Family Court Investigating Officer's Report
第七条(家庭裁判所調査官の報告)
If any juvenile subject to trial and decision of the family court is found, then a family court investigating officer must report this to a judge.
家庭裁判所調査官は、家庭裁判所の審判に付すべき少年を発見したときは、これを裁判官に報告しなければならない。
A family court investigating officer may investigate the circumstances surrounding the juvenile and the parent or guardian before the reporting stated in the preceding paragraph.
Section 3 Investigation, and Trial and Decision
第三節 調査及び審判
Article 8Investigation of Cases
第八条(事件の調査)
When the family court considers that a juvenile should be subject to trial and decision following the notification prescribed in Article 6, paragraph (1) or the reporting prescribed in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, it must investigate the case involving the juvenile. This also applies when a public prosecutor, a judicial police officer, a police officer, a prefectural governor or a child guidance center's director sends a juvenile case to be referred to a trial and decision by the family court.
The family court may order a family court investigating officer to interview a juvenile, parent or guardian, or person of reference, and to carry out other necessary investigation.
第九条(調査の方針)
The investigation prescribed in the preceding Article must be carried out by making use of medical, psychological, pedagogical, sociological and any other specialized knowledge as much as possible, regarding conduct, background, temperament, and environment of the juvenile, the parent or guardian, and other concerned persons, and in particular, the results of classifications conducted by the juvenile classification home.
Article 9-2Hearing of Opinions by Victims upon Request
第九条の二(被害者等の申出による意見の聴取)
The family court is to hear by itself, or order a family court investigating officer to hear from the victim, etc. of a juvenile case, as prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1), item (i) or (ii) about their feelings and other opinions on the case upon their request pursuant to the Rules of the Supreme Court; provided, however, that this does not apply if it is found inappropriate considering the nature of the case, the state of investigation or trial and decision of the family court, or other circumstances.
第十条(付添人)
Changes on a date not yet set (Act No. 46 of 2026)
A juvenile or a parent or guardian, legal representative, curator, spouse, lineal relative, or sibling of a juvenile may, with the family court's permission, appoint an attendant; provided, however, that no permission is needed to appoint an attorney-at-law as the attendant.
A parent or guardian may serve as attendant if permitted by the family court.
保護者は、家庭裁判所の許可を受けて、付添人となることができる。
第十一条(呼出し及び同行)
The family court may issue a summons to a juvenile or parent or guardian and summon them when it is found necessary for the investigation or trial and decision of the case.
The family court may issue an escort warrant for a juvenile or a parent or guardian and escort them if they fail to comply with, or are likely to fail to comply with, the summons provided in the preceding paragraph without reasonable grounds.
Article 12Escort in Case of Emergency
第十二条(緊急の場合の同行)
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (2) of the preceding Article, the family court may issue an escort warrant for a juvenile and escort them in case of an emergency need of protection, and if it is found necessary for their welfare.
In urgent cases the presiding judge may take the measures stated in the preceding paragraph or have a member of the panel of judges do this.
裁判長は、急速を要する場合には、前項の処分をし、又は合議体の構成員にこれをさせることができる。
Article 13Execution of an Escort Warrant
第十三条(同行状の執行)
An escort warrant is executed by a family court investigating officer.
同行状は、家庭裁判所調査官がこれを執行する。
The family court may have a police officer, a probation officer, or a court clerk execute an escort warrant.
家庭裁判所は、警察官、保護観察官又は裁判所書記官をして、同行状を執行させることができる。
In urgent cases, the presiding judge may take the measures stated in the preceding paragraph or have a member of the panel of judges do this.
裁判長は、急速を要する場合には、前項の処分をし、又は合議体の構成員にこれをさせることができる。
The family court may examine a witness, or order an expert opinion, interpretation, or translation.
家庭裁判所は、証人を尋問し、又は鑑定、通訳若しくは翻訳を命ずることができる。
The provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure concerning examination of a witness, or ordering of an expert opinion, interpretation, and translation to be conducted by the court apply mutatis mutandis to the case stated in the preceding paragraph unless contrary to the nature of the protection case.
刑事訴訟法中、裁判所の行う証人尋問、鑑定、通訳及び翻訳に関する規定は、保護事件の性質に反しない限り、前項の場合に、これを準用する。
Article 15Inspection, Seizure, Search, etc.
第十五条(検証、押収、捜索等)
The family court may conduct an inspection, seizure, or search, or issue an order to provide electronic or magnetic records.
家庭裁判所は、検証、押収、捜索又は電磁的記録提供命令をすることができる。
The provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure concerning inspection, seizure, search, and order to provide electronic or magnetic records to be conducted by the court, apply mutatis mutandis to the case stated in the preceding paragraph, unless contrary to the nature of the protection case.
Article 16Assistance and Cooperation
第十六条(援助、協力)
The family court may have a police officer, a probation officer, a volunteer probation officer, a child welfare officer (which means a child welfare officer as prescribed in Article 12-3, paragraph (2), item (vi) of the Child Welfare Act; this also applies in Article 26, paragraph (1) of this Act), or a commissioned child welfare volunteer provide necessary assistance in investigation and observation.
家庭裁判所は、調査及び観察のため、警察官、保護観察官、保護司、児童福祉司(児童福祉法第十二条の三第二項第六号に規定する児童福祉司をいう。第二十六条第一項において同じ。)又は児童委員に対して、必要な援助をさせることができる。
The family court may request the necessary cooperation from public offices, public and private organizations, schools, hospitals and others in performing their duties.
家庭裁判所は、その職務を行うについて、公務所、公私の団体、学校、病院その他に対して、必要な協力を求めることができる。
A family court may implement measures for observation and protection listed in the following items by a ruling if the measures are needed for its trial and decision:
家庭裁判所は、審判を行うため必要があるときは、決定をもつて、次に掲げる観護の措置をとることができる。
to put under the observation and protection of a family court investigating officer;
家庭裁判所調査官の観護に付すること。
to refer to a juvenile classification home.
少年鑑別所に送致すること。
Measures for observation and protection regarding an escorted juvenile must be implemented within 24 hours, at the latest, from the time of the arrival. This also applies to the measures regarding a juvenile who has been detained or arrested, and is referred to the court by a public prosecutor or a judicial police officer.
同行された少年については、観護の措置は、遅くとも、到着のときから二十四時間以内に、これを行わなければならない。検察官又は司法警察員から勾留又は逮捕された少年の送致を受けたときも、同様である。
If the measures prescribed in item (ii) of paragraph (1) are implemented, then the period of detention of the juvenile at the juvenile classification home may not exceed two weeks; provided, however, that the period may be renewed by the court's ruling if continued custody is particularly needed.
第一項第二号の措置においては、少年鑑別所に収容する期間は、二週間を超えることができない。ただし、特に継続の必要があるときは、決定をもつて、これを更新することができる。
The renewal pursuant to the proviso of the preceding paragraph is not to take place more than once; provided, however, that the renewal may take place with a limit of up to two additional times if the family court has decided to conduct an examination of a witness, seek an expert's opinion, or conduct an inspection or has implemented these measures to find out the facts of the delinquent act (including motive for the offense, the manner and impact of the crime, or other important facts closely related to the crime; this also applies below) punishable by imprisonment or a heavier punishment, concerning a juvenile as prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1), item (i), and if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a family court trial and decision would be severely hindered without detaining the juvenile.
Notwithstanding the proviso of paragraph (3), the period of detention in a case once again referred by a public prosecutor may not be renewed if the measures prescribed in item (ii) of paragraph (1) have already been implemented or a detention warrant has already been issued regarding the case.
If the judge implements the measures prescribed in paragraph (1), item (i) of this Article upon request pursuant to the provisions of Article 43, paragraph (1), the measures are deemed as those prescribed in paragraph (1), item (i) of this Article if the case is subsequently referred to a family court.
If the judge implements the measures prescribed in item (ii), paragraph (1) of this Article upon request pursuant to the provisions of Article 43, paragraph (1), the measures are deemed to be those prescribed in item (ii), paragraph (1) of this Article if the case is subsequently referred to a family court. In this case, the period prescribed in paragraph (3) begins from the day when the case is referred to a family court.
The measures for observation and protection may be repealed or amended by a ruling.
観護の措置は、決定をもつて、これを取り消し、又は変更することができる。
Regarding the measures provided in paragraph (1), item (ii), the total period of detention may not exceed eight weeks; provided, however, that no ruling that makes a total custody period longer than four weeks is to be rendered without the grounds prescribed in the proviso of paragraph (4).
In case of emergency, the presiding judge may take the dispositions prescribed in paragraphs (1) or (8), or have a member of the panel of judges do this.
Article 17-2Filing of Objections
第十七条の二(異議の申立て)
A juvenile, their legal representative, or attendant may file an objection against a ruling as prescribed in paragraph (1), item (ii) of the preceding Article or in the proviso of paragraph (3) of the preceding Article to a family court where the protection case is pending; provided, however, that the attendant may not file an objection that is contrary to the intent clearly indicated by the parent or guardian, who appointed the attendant.
The objection referred to in the preceding paragraph may not be filed on the reasoning that there are no grounds for referring the case to trial and decision.
前項の異議の申立ては、審判に付すべき事由がないことを理由としてすることはできない。
A ruling by the family court, on the objection referred to in paragraph (1), must be made by a panel. In this case, a judge who was involved in the ruling of prior instance may not participate in giving this ruling.
第一項の異議の申立てについては、家庭裁判所は、合議体で決定をしなければならない。この場合において、その決定には、原決定に関与した裁判官は、関与することができない。
The provisions of Articles 32-3, 33 and 34 apply mutatis mutandis to a case in which the objection prescribed in paragraph (1) is filed. In this case, the phrase "revoke the ruling given in the prior instance, and remand the case to the court of prior instance, or transfer the case to another family court" in Article 33, paragraph (2) is deemed to be replaced with "revoke the ruling given in the prior instance, and a further judicial decision must be made if it is deemed necessary."
第十七条の三(特別抗告)
The provisions of Article 35, paragraph (1) apply mutatis mutandis to the ruling prescribed in paragraph (3) of the preceding Article. In this case, the term "two weeks" in Article 35, paragraph (1) is deemed to be replaced with "five days."
The provisions of paragraph (4) of the preceding Article and Article 32-2 apply mutatis mutandis if an appeal is filed pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph.
Article 17-4Provisional Detention in Case of Referral to a Juvenile Classification Home
第十七条の四(少年鑑別所送致の場合の仮収容)
If there are circumstances under which immediate custody in a juvenile classification home is found extremely difficult, following the implementation of the measures prescribed in Article 17, paragraph (1), item (ii), the family court may, by a ruling, provisionally detain the juvenile to the nearest juvenile training school or to a specially separated place inside the nearest penal institution; provided, however, that the period must not exceed 72 hours from commencement of detention.
家庭裁判所は、第十七条第一項第二号の措置をとつた場合において、直ちに少年鑑別所に収容することが著しく困難であると認める事情があるときは、決定をもつて、少年を仮に最寄りの少年院又は刑事施設の特に区別した場所に収容することができる。ただし、その期間は、収容した時から七十二時間を超えることができない。
In case of an emergency, the presiding judge may take the dispositions stated in the preceding paragraph or have a member from a panel of judges do it.
裁判長は、急速を要する場合には、前項の処分をし、又は合議体の構成員にこれをさせることができる。
The period of detention pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) is deemed to be the period of detention in a juvenile classification home by the measures prescribed in item (ii) of paragraph (1) of Article 17; the period prescribed in paragraph (3) of that Article is to begin from the day of detention in the juvenile training school or penal institution.
第一項の規定による収容の期間は、これを第十七条第一項第二号の措置により少年鑑別所に収容した期間とみなし、同条第三項の期間は、少年院又は刑事施設に収容した日から、これを起算する。
If the judge detained a juvenile pursuant to paragraph (1) upon request prescribed in the provisions of Article 43, paragraph (1), the detention is deemed to be the detention prescribed in paragraph (1) if the case is subsequently referred to the family court.
Article 18Child Welfare Act Measures
第十八条(児童福祉法の措置)
When it is found appropriate to take measures prescribed in the provisions of the Child Welfare Act as a result of the investigation, the family court, by a ruling, must refer the case to a prefectural governor or director of a child guidance center who has authority over the case.
家庭裁判所は、調査の結果、児童福祉法の規定による措置を相当と認めるときは、決定をもつて、事件を権限を有する都道府県知事又は児童相談所長に送致しなければならない。
The family court, by a ruling, may refer the case concerning a juvenile referred by a prefectural governor or director of child guidance center, pursuant to the provisions of Article 6-7, paragraph (2), to the prefectural governor or director of a child guidance center who has authority over the case, with a time limit and instructions as to the means of protection and any other measures to be taken.
Article 19Ruling Not to Commence a Trial
第十九条(審判を開始しない旨の決定)
The family court must make a ruling not to commence a trial if it finds, as a result of the investigation, that it is impossible or inappropriate to subject the case to trial and decision.
家庭裁判所は、調査の結果、審判に付することができず、又は審判に付するのが相当でないと認めるときは、審判を開始しない旨の決定をしなければならない。
Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, if it is found, as a result of the investigation, that the person in question is 20 years of age or older, the family court, by a ruling, must refer the case to a public prosecutor at the public prosecutor's office that is the counterpart of the district court with jurisdiction over the case.
家庭裁判所は、調査の結果、本人が二十歳以上であることが判明したときは、前項の規定にかかわらず、決定をもつて、事件を管轄地方裁判所に対応する検察庁の検察官に送致しなければならない。
Article 20Referral to a Public Prosecutor
第二十条(検察官への送致)
The family court, by a ruling, must refer a case punishable by imprisonment or a heavier punishment to a public prosecutor at the public prosecutor's office that is the counterpart of the district court with jurisdiction over the case, if the criminal disposition of the case is found appropriate, as a result of the investigation, considering the nature and circumstances of the crime.
家庭裁判所は、拘禁刑以上の刑に当たる罪の事件について、調査の結果、その罪質及び情状に照らして刑事処分を相当と認めるときは、決定をもつて、これを管轄地方裁判所に対応する検察庁の検察官に送致しなければならない。
Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the family court must make a ruling as prescribed in that paragraph for a case in which a juvenile who is 16 years of age or older committed an intentional criminal act that caused the death of a victim; provided, however, that this does not apply if the court finds any measures other than the criminal disposition more appropriate, as a result of the investigation, which considers motive for the offense, manner , circumstances or situation after the offense, the juvenile's character, age, conduct, environment and other circumstances.
Article 21Ruling to Commence a Trial
第二十一条(審判開始の決定)
If it is found appropriate to commence a trial as a result of the investigation, the family court must make a ruling to that effect.
家庭裁判所は、調査の結果、審判を開始するのが相当であると認めるときは、その旨の決定をしなければならない。
Article 22Trial and Decision Procedure
第二十二条(審判の方式)
Trial and decision must be conducted cordially and amicably, and encourage the delinquent juvenile to reflect on their delinquency.
審判は、懇切を旨として、和やかに行うとともに、非行のある少年に対し自己の非行について内省を促すものとしなければならない。
The trial and decision are not open to the public.
審判は、これを公開しない。
The presiding judge is to direct the trial and decision.
審判の指揮は、裁判長が行う。
Article 22-2Public Prosecutor Participation
第二十二条の二(検察官の関与)
The family court, by a ruling, may have a public prosecutor participate in a trial and decision for a case involving a juvenile as prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1), item (i) concerning a crime which is punishable by the death penalty, imprisonment for life, or imprisonment with a maximum term exceeding three years, when the court finds that the participation of a public prosecutor in the trial and decision is necessary to certify the facts of the delinquent act.
The family court must hear the opinion of a public prosecutor, in advance, to give the ruling stated in the preceding paragraph, except for when the public prosecutor requests to attend the hearing.
家庭裁判所は、前項の決定をするには、検察官の申出がある場合を除き、あらかじめ、検察官の意見を聴かなければならない。
If a ruling, as prescribed in paragraph (1), is given on the case, the public prosecutor, as provided for by the Rules of the Supreme Court, may inspect and copy the records of the case and articles of evidence, attend the trial and decision (including the announcement of the ruling that closes the case), ask questions to the juvenile, witnesses and other concerned persons, and give opinions to the extent that is necessary to certify the facts of the delinquent act.
Article 22-3Court-Appointed Attendants
第二十二条の三(国選付添人)
If the juvenile has no attendant who is an attorney-at-law when the family court gives a ruling as prescribed in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, the court must appoint an attendant who is an attorney-at-law.
The family court may appoint an attendant who is an attorney-at-law in a juvenile case as prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1), item (i) for a crime prescribed in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, or in a juvenile case as prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1), item (ii) for an act violating criminal laws and regulations, concerning a crime prescribed in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, for the juvenile against whom the measures prescribed in Article 17, paragraph (1), item (ii) has been implemented, and who has no attendant who is an attorney-at-law, if the court finds that participation of an attendant who is an attorney-at-law is required for the trial and decision proceedings, considering the nature of the case, presence or absence of the parent or guardian, and other circumstances.
An attendant to be appointed by the family court, pursuant to the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs, is to be appointed as provided for by the Rules of the Supreme Court.
前二項の規定により家庭裁判所が付すべき付添人は、最高裁判所規則の定めるところにより、選任するものとする。
An attendant appointed pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph (including when it is applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 22-5, paragraph (4)), may claim travel expenses, daily allowances, accommodation fees and remuneration.
前項(第二十二条の五第四項において準用する場合を含む。)の規定により選任された付添人は、旅費、日当、宿泊料及び報酬を請求することができる。
Article 22-4Observation of Trial and Decision by Victims
第二十二条の四(被害者等による少年審判の傍聴)
The family court may, pursuant to the Rules of the Supreme Court, permit, upon request, the victim, etc. to observe the trial and decision of a juvenile case on the trial and decision date for a juvenile case as prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1), item (i) who committed a crime stated in any of the following items, or for a juvenile case as prescribed in item (ii) of that paragraph (excluding any juvenile under 12 years of age who committed an act violating criminal laws and regulations; this also applies in the next paragraph), who committed an act violating criminal laws and regulations concerning crimes stated in any of the following items (limited to any act that caused serious danger to victim's life in either of the relevant cases when the victim was injured), if the victim, etc. requests to observe the trial and decision on the trial and decision date, and the court finds it appropriate and unlikely to hinder the sound development of the juvenile, considering the age of the juvenile, mental or physical state, the nature of the case, status of the trial and decision and other circumstances:
家庭裁判所は、最高裁判所規則の定めるところにより第三条第一項第一号に掲げる少年に係る事件であつて次に掲げる罪のもの又は同項第二号に掲げる少年(十二歳に満たないで刑罰法令に触れる行為をした少年を除く。次項において同じ。)に係る事件であつて次に掲げる罪に係る刑罰法令に触れるもの(いずれも被害者を傷害した場合にあつては、これにより生命に重大な危険を生じさせたときに限る。)の被害者等から、審判期日における審判の傍聴の申出がある場合において、少年の年齢及び心身の状態、事件の性質、審判の状況その他の事情を考慮して、少年の健全な育成を妨げるおそれがなく相当と認めるときは、その申出をした者に対し、これを傍聴することを許すことができる。
the crime of committing an intentional criminal act that causes the death of or injury to the victim;
故意の犯罪行為により被害者を死傷させた罪
the crime prescribed in Article 211 (Causing Death or Injury Due to Negligence in the Pursuit of Social Activities) of the Penal Code (Act No. 45 of 1907);
刑法(明治四十年法律第四十五号)第二百十一条(業務上過失致死傷等)の罪
When deciding whether or not to permit the victim, etc. of a juvenile case as prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1), item (ii), to observe the trial and decision pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the family court must give full consideration to the fact that, in general, the juvenile, as prescribed in that item, is highly emotionally immature.
When permitting observation of the trial and decision pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1), the family court may allow a person who can ease the anxiety or the tension of the observer appropriately and is unlikely to disrupt the trial and decision, or have undue impact on it, to accompany the observer, if it finds that the observer is likely to feel severe anxiety or tension in consideration of age, mental or physical state of the observer and other circumstances.
家庭裁判所は、第一項の規定により審判の傍聴を許す場合において、傍聴する者の年齢、心身の状態その他の事情を考慮し、その者が著しく不安又は緊張を覚えるおそれがあると認めるときは、その不安又は緊張を緩和するのに適当であり、かつ、審判を妨げ、又はこれに不当な影響を与えるおそれがないと認める者を、傍聴する者に付き添わせることができる。
When determining the seating arrangements for the person observing the trial and decision pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1), and the person accompanying that person, pursuant to the preceding paragraph, and the seating arrangements for court officials where the trial and decision takes place, the presiding judge must consider the impact it will have on the mental and physical state of the juvenile.
The provisions of Article 5-2, paragraph (3) apply mutatis mutandis to the person observing the trial and decision pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) and to the person accompanying that person pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (3).
Article 22-5Hearing of Opinions from the Attendant Who is an Attorney-at-Law
第二十二条の五(弁護士である付添人からの意見の聴取等)
Before permitting observation of the trial and decision pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, the family court must hear opinions from the attendant who is an attorney-at-law.
家庭裁判所は、前条第一項の規定により審判の傍聴を許すには、あらかじめ、弁護士である付添人の意見を聴かなければならない。
In the case of the preceding paragraph, the family court must appoint an attendant who is an attorney-at-law, if the juvenile does not have such an attendant.
If the juvenile does not have an attendant who is an attorney-at-law, then the provisions in the preceding two paragraphs do not apply if the juvenile and the parent or guardian clearly indicate that they do not require an attendant pursuant to the Rules of the Supreme Court.
The provisions of Article 22-3, paragraph (3) apply mutatis mutandis to the attendant who must be appointed by the family court pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (2).
第二十二条の三第三項の規定は、第二項の規定により家庭裁判所が付すべき付添人について、準用する。
Article 22-6Explanations to the Victims
第二十二条の六(被害者等に対する説明)
Upon request from the victim, etc., of the case involving a juvenile as stated in Article 3, paragraph (1), item (i) or (ii) pursuant to the Rules of the Supreme Court, the family court is to give the victim, etc. an explanation on the status of the trial and decision on the trial and decision date as provided for by the Rules of the Supreme Court, if it is found appropriate and unlikely to hinder the sound development of the juvenile.
The request stated in the preceding paragraph may not be filed when three years have passed since the ruling to close the case related to that request had become final and binding.
前項の申出は、その申出に係る事件を終局させる決定が確定した後三年を経過したときは、することができない。
The provisions of Article 5-2, paragraph (3) apply mutatis mutandis to the person who is given the explanations pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1).
第二十三条(審判開始後保護処分に付しない場合)
When a case is found to fall under Article 18 or 20 as a result of the trial and decision, the family court must give a ruling as prescribed in these Articles accordingly.
If it is found that as a result of the trial and decision, the disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent cannot be carried out, or it is unnecessary, the family court must make a ruling to that effect.
家庭裁判所は、審判の結果、保護処分に付することができず、又は保護処分に付する必要がないと認めるときは、その旨の決定をしなければならない。
The provisions of Article 19, paragraph (2) apply mutatis mutandis when the person in question is found to be 20 years of age or older as a result of the family court trial and decision.
第十九条第二項の規定は、家庭裁判所の審判の結果、本人が二十歳以上であることが判明した場合に準用する。
Except for the case of the preceding Article, the family court, in a case for which it has commenced a trial and decision, by a ruling, must conduct the disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent as stated in the following items; provided, however, that the disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent prescribed in item (iii) may be conducted with respect to a case involving a juvenile under 14 years of age at the time of the ruling, only when it is found as particularly necessary:
place on probation at the probation office;
保護観察所の保護観察に付すること。
refer to a children's self-reliance support facility or foster home;
児童自立支援施設又は児童養護施設に送致すること。
refer to a juvenile training school.
少年院に送致すること。
With respect to disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent prescribed in items (i) and (iii) of the preceding paragraph, the family court may have the chief probation officer conduct measures for the modification of the home and other environments.
第二十四条の二(没取)
When making a ruling as prescribed in Article 18, Article 19, Article 23, paragraph (2), or paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, the family court, by a ruling, may confiscate the possessed objects stated in the following items from a juvenile listed in Article 3, paragraph (1), items (i) and (ii):
an object that constitutes an act violating criminal laws and regulations;
刑罰法令に触れる行為を組成した物
an object which is used or intended for use in committing an act violating criminal laws and regulations;
刑罰法令に触れる行為に供し、又は供しようとした物
an object which is generated or acquired by committing an act violating criminal laws and regulations, or acquired as a reward for committing an act violating criminal laws and regulations;
刑罰法令に触れる行為から生じ、若しくはこれによつて得た物又は刑罰法令に触れる行為の報酬として得た物
An object obtained in exchange for the object prescribed in the preceding item.
前号に記載した物の対価として得た物
When the family court makes a ruling under Article 18, Article 19, Article 23, paragraph (2), or paragraph (1) of the preceding Article for a juvenile prescribed in the preceding paragraph, it may, by a ruling, confiscate the following objects:
an object on which a private sexual image record that constituted, or was used for, an act in violation of Article 3, paragraphs (1) through (3) of the Act on the Prevention of Damage Caused by the Provision, etc. of Private Sexual Image Records (Act No. 126 of 2014) (meaning a private sexual image record prescribed in Article 2, paragraph (1) of that Act) is recorded, or a copy of such an object; or a copy of a private sexual image record medium that constituted, or was used for, that act (meaning a private sexual image record medium prescribed in Article 2, paragraph (2) of that Act);
私事性的画像記録の提供等による被害の防止に関する法律(平成二十六年法律第百二十六号)第三条第一項から第三項までの規定に触れる行為を組成し、若しくは当該行為の用に供した私事性的画像記録(同法第二条第一項に規定する私事性的画像記録をいう。)が記録されている物若しくはこれを複写した物又は当該行為を組成し、若しくは当該行為の用に供した私事性的画像記録物(同法第二条第二項に規定する私事性的画像記録物をいう。)を複写した物
a copy of an object produced by an act in violation of Article 2, paragraph (1) or Article 6, paragraph (1) of the Act on the Punishment of Acts of Photographing Sexual Poses, etc. and the Erasure, etc. of Electronic or Magnetic Records of Images of Sexual Poses Recorded on Seized Articles (Act No. 67 of 2023).
性的な姿態を撮影する行為等の処罰及び押収物に記録された性的な姿態の影像に係る電磁的記録の消去等に関する法律(令和五年法律第六十七号)第二条第一項又は第六条第一項の規定に触れる行為により生じた物を複写した物
Any object may be confiscated as long as it belongs to no one other than the juvenile in question; provided, however, that if, after an act violating criminal laws and regulations, a person other than the juvenile in question, with knowledge of the circumstances, acquires an object prescribed in paragraph (1) or comes to possess an object prescribed in the preceding paragraph, it may be confiscated, even if it belongs to a person other than the juvenile in question.
Article 25Observation by a Family Court Investigating Officer
第二十五条(家庭裁判所調査官の観察)
The family court may, by a ruling, keep a juvenile under observation by a family court investigating officer for a reasonable period if it is found necessary to give a ruling on the disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent as prescribed in Article 24, paragraph (1).
家庭裁判所は、第二十四条第一項の保護処分を決定するため必要があると認めるときは、決定をもつて、相当の期間、家庭裁判所調査官の観察に付することができる。
In combination with the observation referred to in the preceding paragraph, the family court may conduct the measures stated in the following items:
家庭裁判所は、前項の観察とあわせて、次に掲げる措置をとることができる。
establishment of rules to be observed and the order to perform them;
遵守事項を定めてその履行を命ずること。
hand over of a juvenile to the parent or guardian by attaching conditions;
条件を附けて保護者に引き渡すこと。
entrustment of correctional guidance to an appropriate institution, organization, or individual.
適当な施設、団体又は個人に補導を委託すること。
Article 25-2Measures for the Parent or Guardian
第二十五条の二(保護者に対する措置)
The family court may give direct admonition or guidance to, or take other appropriate measures with the parent or guardian during an investigation or trial and decision, if it is found necessary, to make them aware of their responsibility for the custody of the juvenile, preventing the juvenile from committing further acts of delinquency, or may order a family court investigating officer to take these measures.
Article 26Execution of a Ruling
第二十六条(決定の執行)
The family court may have a family court investigating officer, court clerk, official at the Ministry of Justice, instructor at a correctional facility, police officer, probation officer or child welfare officer enforce a ruling given pursuant to the provisions of Article 17, paragraph (1), item (ii), Article 17-4, paragraph (1), and Article 24, paragraph (1), items (ii) and (iii).
家庭裁判所は、第十七条第一項第二号、第十七条の四第一項並びに第二十四条第一項第二号及び第三号の決定をしたときは、家庭裁判所調査官、裁判所書記官、法務事務官、法務教官、警察官、保護観察官又は児童福祉司をして、その決定を執行させることができる。
The family court may issue a writ of summons to summon a juvenile, if it is necessary to enforce a ruling given pursuant to the provisions of Article 17, paragraph (1), item (ii), Article 17-4, paragraph (1), and Article 24, paragraph (1), items (ii) and (iii).
家庭裁判所は、第十七条第一項第二号、第十七条の四第一項並びに第二十四条第一項第二号及び第三号の決定を執行するため必要があるときは、少年に対して、呼出状を発して、その呼出しをすることができる。
The family court may issue an escort warrant for a juvenile and escort them if they fail to comply with or are likely to fail to comply with the summons under the provisions of the preceding paragraph without reasonable grounds.
Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, when it is found that a juvenile urgently is in need of protection, and is necessary for the juvenile's welfare, the family court may issue an escort warrant to that juvenile and escort them.
Changes by (Act No. 39 of 2025)
The provisions of Article 13 apply mutatis mutandis to the escort warrant prescribed in the preceding two paragraphs.
In urgent cases, the presiding judge may impose the disposition stated in paragraphs (1) and (4), or have a member of the panel of judges do this.
Article 26-2Temporary Continuation of Detention at a Juvenile Classification Home
第二十六条の二(少年鑑別所収容の一時継続)
When making a ruling as prescribed in the provisions of Article 18, Article 19, Article 20, paragraph (1), Article 23, paragraph (2) or Article 24, paragraph (1) for the case for which the measures prescribed in the provisions of Article 17, paragraph (1), item (ii) are conducted, the family court may, by a ruling, continue to detain the juvenile to a juvenile classification home, for a reasonable period, if it is found to be necessary; provided, however, that the period is not to exceed seven days.
Article 26-3Provisional Detention in the Case of Execution of an Escort Warrant
第二十六条の三(同行状の執行の場合の仮収容)
When the escort warrant prescribed in Article 26, paragraph (3) or (4) is enforced against a juvenile to whom a ruling as prescribed in Article 24, paragraph (1), item (iii) has been given, the family court may provisionally detain the juvenile at a nearby juvenile classification home if necessary.
第二十四条第一項第三号の決定を受けた少年に対して第二十六条第三項又は第四項の同行状を執行する場合において、必要があるときは、その少年を仮に最寄の少年鑑別所に収容することができる。
Article 26-4Measures for a Person Under Probation
第二十六条の四(保護観察中の者に対する措置)
For cases in which an application pursuant to the provisions of Article 67, paragraph (2) of the Offenders Rehabilitation Act (Act No. 88 of 2007) is filed, the family court, by a ruling, must conduct the disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent prescribed in Article 24, paragraph (1), item (ii) or (iii), if the court, as a result of the trial and decision, finds that the person who is subject to the disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent prescribed in Article 24, paragraph (1), item (i), failed to comply with the matters to be complied with, and there are grounds that the person has continued to fail to comply with the matters to be complied with despite being admonished as prescribed in Article 67, paragraph (1) of that Act, and finds that the failure is so serious that the disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent is not sufficient enough to improve or rehabilitate that person.
更生保護法(平成十九年法律第八十八号)第六十七条第二項の申請があつた場合において、家庭裁判所は、審判の結果、第二十四条第一項第一号の保護処分を受けた者がその遵守すべき事項を遵守せず、同法第六十七条第一項の警告を受けたにもかかわらず、なお遵守すべき事項を遵守しなかつたと認められる事由があり、その程度が重く、かつ、その保護処分によつては本人の改善及び更生を図ることができないと認めるときは、決定をもつて、第二十四条第一項第二号又は第三号の保護処分をしなければならない。
When subjecting a person of 20 years of age or above to the disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent prescribed in Article 24, paragraph (1), item (iii) pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the family court must specify, concurrently with the decision, the period of detention in a juvenile training school before they reach 23 years of age.
家庭裁判所は、前項の規定により二十歳以上の者に対して第二十四条第一項第三号の保護処分をするときは、その決定と同時に、本人が二十三歳を超えない期間内において、少年院に収容する期間を定めなければならない。
Beyond what is stated in the preceding paragraph, the procedure of a case on disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1), is to be governed by the procedure of the case concerned with the disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent pursuant to the provisions of Article 24, paragraph (1), unless it contradicts its nature.
Article 27Coordination of Conflicting Measures
第二十七条(競合する処分の調整)
When a criminal conviction against a person becomes final and binding while the disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent are in place, the family court that implemented the disposition may, by a ruling, revoke those measures when it is found to be appropriate.
保護処分の継続中、本人に対して有罪判決が確定したときは、保護処分をした家庭裁判所は、相当と認めるときは、決定をもつて、その保護処分を取り消すことができる。
When a person is subjected to new disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent while the previous disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent are in place, the family court implementing the new disposition may hear the opinion from the family court which has implemented the previous disposition and revoke either of them by a ruling.
保護処分の継続中、本人に対して新たな保護処分がなされたときは、新たな保護処分をした家庭裁判所は、前の保護処分をした家庭裁判所の意見を聞いて、決定をもつて、いずれかの保護処分を取消すことができる。
If, while the disposition is in place, any new materials are discovered that clearly indicate that the family court had no jurisdiction over the person in question, or that the family court has subjected a juvenile under 14 years of age to disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent without procedure for referral from the prefectural governor or a director of a child guidance center, the family court implementing the disposition must revoke that disposition by a ruling.
保護処分の継続中、本人に対し審判権がなかつたこと、又は十四歳に満たない少年について、都道府県知事若しくは児童相談所長から送致の手続がなかつたにもかかわらず、保護処分をしたことを認め得る明らかな資料を新たに発見したときは、保護処分をした家庭裁判所は、決定をもつて、その保護処分を取り消さなければならない。
If any new materials are discovered that clearly indicate that the family court has subjected a person to disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent without any grounds to subject the person to a trial and decision, even after the disposition had been completed, the preceding paragraph applies; provided, however, that this does not apply if the person has died.
保護処分が終了した後においても、審判に付すべき事由の存在が認められないにもかかわらず保護処分をしたことを認め得る明らかな資料を新たに発見したときは、前項と同様とする。ただし、本人が死亡した場合は、この限りでない。
If the director of a probation office, children's self-reliance support facility, foster home or juvenile training school finds any new materials related to a person who has been subjected to the disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent showing probable grounds of suspicion prescribed in paragraph (1), they must give notice to that effect to the family court that has conducted the measures.
保護観察所、児童自立支援施設、児童養護施設又は少年院の長は、保護処分の継続中の者について、第一項の事由があることを疑うに足りる資料を発見したときは、保護処分をした家庭裁判所に、その旨の通知をしなければならない。
The provisions of Article 18, paragraph (1) and Article 19, paragraph (2) apply mutatis mutandis if the family court revokes the disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1).
If the family court revokes the disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent against a person detained in a juvenile training school pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1), the family court, by a ruling, may have the person stay on at the juvenile training school if it is found necessary; provided, however, that this period must not exceed three days.
家庭裁判所は、第一項の規定により、少年院に収容中の者の保護処分を取り消した場合において、必要があると認めるときは、決定をもつて、その者を引き続き少年院に収容することができる。但し、その期間は、三日を超えることはできない。
Beyond what is stated in the preceding three paragraphs, the procedure in the case of revocation of the disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent referred to in Article 24, paragraph (1) pursuant to the provisions of paragraphs (1) and (2) is governed by the same rules as those applicable to the procedure in the case on the disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent referred to in Article 24, paragraph (1) unless it is contrary to its nature.
Article 28Submission of Reports and Opinions
第二十八条(報告と意見の提出)
When the family court has given a ruling prescribed in Article 24 or 25, it may request that the institution, organization, individual, probation office, child welfare institution or juvenile training school to submit reports and opinions concerning the juvenile.
Article 29Payment of Costs for Requested Work
第二十九条(委託費用の支給)
When a family court requests correctional guidance from an appropriate institution, organization or individual as a measure prescribed in Article 25, paragraph (2), item (iii), the family court may pay all or part of the expenses incurred to the institution, organization or individual.
家庭裁判所は、第二十五条第二項第三号の措置として、適当な施設、団体又は個人に補導を委託したときは、その者に対して、これによつて生じた費用の全部又は一部を支給することができる。
第三十条(証人等の費用)
The provisions in laws and regulations concerning the costs of criminal proceedings apply mutatis mutandis to the travel expenses, daily allowances, accommodation fees and other costs payable to witnesses, expert witnesses, translators and interpreters.
証人、鑑定人、翻訳人及び通訳人に支給する旅費、日当、宿泊料その他の費用の額については、刑事訴訟費用に関する法令の規定を準用する。
A person of reference may request their travel expenses, daily allowances and accommodation fees.
参考人は、旅費、日当、宿泊料を請求することができる。
The costs payable to the person of reference are deemed as costs payable to the witness, and the provisions of paragraph (1) is to be applied.
参考人に支給する費用は、これを証人に支給する費用とみなして、第一項の規定を適用する。
The amounts of travel expenses, daily allowances, accommodation fees and remuneration payable to an attendant pursuant to the provisions of Article 22-3, paragraph (4) is governed by the provisions of Article 38, paragraph (2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure concerning those payable to a defense counsel.
第二十二条の三第四項の規定により付添人に支給すべき旅費、日当、宿泊料及び報酬の額については、刑事訴訟法第三十八条第二項の規定により弁護人に支給すべき旅費、日当、宿泊料及び報酬の例による。
第三十条の二
When the family court has a volunteer probation officer or a commissioned child welfare volunteer provide assistance in investigation and observation pursuant to the provisions of Article 16, paragraph (1), the family court may pay all or part of its costs as prescribed by the Supreme Court.
家庭裁判所は、第十六条第一項の規定により保護司又は児童委員をして、調査及び観察の援助をさせた場合には、最高裁判所の定めるところにより、その費用の一部又は全部を支払うことができる。
第三十一条(費用の徴収)
The family court may collect from the juvenile, or the person having a duty to support the juvenile, all or part of the travel expenses, daily allowances, accommodation fees and other costs paid to witnesses, expert witnesses, interpreters, translators, person of reference, attendants appointed pursuant to the provisions of Article 22-3, paragraph (3) (including if it is applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 22-5, paragraph (4)) and those commissioned to give correctional guidance, and the costs incurred by the juvenile classification home and juvenile training school.
家庭裁判所は、少年又はこれを扶養する義務のある者から証人、鑑定人、通訳人、翻訳人、参考人、第二十二条の三第三項(第二十二条の五第四項において準用する場合を含む。)の規定により選任された付添人及び補導を委託された者に支給した旅費、日当、宿泊料その他の費用並びに少年鑑別所及び少年院において生じた費用の全部又は一部を徴収することができる。
With regard to the collection of the costs prescribed in the preceding paragraph, the provisions of Article 121, paragraphs (1), (2) and (4) of the Non-Contentious Case Procedures Act (Act No. 51 of 2011) and Article 508, paragraph (1), main clause and paragraph (2), and Article 514 of the Code of Criminal Procedure apply mutatis mutandis. In this case, the term "public prosecutor" in Article 121, paragraph (1) of the Non-Contentious Case Procedures Act is deemed to be replaced with "family court".
前項の費用の徴収については、非訟事件手続法(平成二十三年法律第五十一号)第百二十一条第一項、第二項及び第四項並びに刑事訴訟法第五百八条第一項本文及び第二項並びに第五百十四条の規定を準用する。この場合において、非訟事件手続法第百二十一条第一項中「検察官」とあるのは、「家庭裁判所」と読み替えるものとする。
Article 31-2Notice to the Victim
第三十一条の二(被害者等に対する通知)
Upon request from the victim, etc. of the case involving a juvenile as prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1), item (i) or (ii), pursuant to the Rules of the Supreme Court, the family court is to give the following notice of matters to the person that filed the request if the court has given a ruling to close the case; provided, however, that this does not apply if the court finds the giving of that notice is likely to hinder sound development of the juvenile and is inappropriate:
name and residence of the juvenile and the statutory agent of the juvenile (if the statutory agent is a corporation, its name or trade name and the location of its main office or headquarters);
少年及びその法定代理人の氏名及び住居(法定代理人が法人である場合においては、その名称又は商号及び主たる事務所又は本店の所在地)
date of the ruling, the main text and summary of the reasons.
決定の年月日、主文及び理由の要旨
The request stated in the preceding paragraph may not be filed after three years have passed since the ruling prescribed in that paragraph has become final and binding.
The provisions of Article 5-2, paragraph (3) apply mutatis mutandis to the person who received the information pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1).
Section 4 Appeal
第四節 抗告
第三十二条(抗告)
The juvenile, legal representative, or attendant may file an appeal against a ruling imposing disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent within two weeks, only if the appeal is based on a violation of laws and regulations that affect the ruling, or if a serious inaccuracy of facts or a gross injustice in the disposition is found; provided, however, that the attendant may not file an appeal that is contrary to the intent clearly indicated by the parent or guardian who appointed the attendant.
Article 32-2Scope of Investigation by the Court in Charge of an Appeal
第三十二条の二(抗告裁判所の調査の範囲)
The court in charge of an appeal is to investigate only the matters included in the reasons for the appeal.
抗告裁判所は、抗告の趣意に含まれている事項に限り、調査をするものとする。
The court in charge of an appeal, by the court's own authority, may investigate any grounds for the appeal, even if the matters are not included in the reasons for the appeal.
抗告裁判所は、抗告の趣意に含まれていない事項であつても、抗告の理由となる事由に関しては、職権で調査をすることができる。
Article 32-3Examination of Facts by the Court in Charge of an Appeal
第三十二条の三(抗告裁判所の事実の取調べ)
The court in charge of an appeal may examine the facts when it is necessary to give a ruling.
抗告裁判所は、決定をするについて必要があるときは、事実の取調べをすることができる。
The court in charge of an appeal may have a member of the panel of judges perform the examination prescribed in the preceding paragraph, or delegate it to a judge of a family court.
前項の取調べは、合議体の構成員にさせ、又は家庭裁判所の裁判官に嘱託することができる。
Article 32-4Request for Acceptance of an Appeal
第三十二条の四(抗告受理の申立て)
If a ruling is made as prescribed in Article 22-2, paragraph (1), a public prosecutor may file a request for acceptance of an appeal which may be filed with the high court within two weeks regarding the ruling to impose or not to impose the disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent by the court of second instance, only if the appeal is based on a violation of laws and regulations that affect the ruling, or if a serious inaccuracy of facts is found concerning the fact finding on the delinquent act, for the case that the ruling prescribed in that paragraph is given.
検察官は、第二十二条の二第一項の決定がされた場合においては、保護処分に付さない決定又は保護処分の決定に対し、同項の決定があつた事件の非行事実の認定に関し、決定に影響を及ぼす法令の違反又は重大な事実の誤認があることを理由とするときに限り、高等裁判所に対し、二週間以内に、抗告審として事件を受理すべきことを申し立てることができる。
Changes by (Act No. 39 of 2025)
The request pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph (referred to as "request for acceptance of an appeal" below) must be filed by a written request to the court of prior instance. In this case, the court of prior instance must promptly transfer it to a high court.
前項の規定による申立て(以下「抗告受理の申立て」という。)は、申立書を原裁判所に差し出してしなければならない。この場合において、原裁判所は、速やかにこれを高等裁判所に送付しなければならない。
Moves to paragraph (4) by (Act No. 39 of 2025)
When a request for acceptance of an appeal is filed, the high court may accept it if it finds it appropriate to accept the case as the court of second instance. In this case, the high court must give a ruling to that effect.
高等裁判所は、抗告受理の申立てがされた場合において、抗告審として事件を受理するのを相当と認めるときは、これを受理することができる。この場合においては、その旨の決定をしなければならない。
Moves to paragraph (5) by (Act No. 39 of 2025)
When making the ruling prescribed in the preceding paragraph, the high court may eliminate any of the reasons from the reasons stated in the request for acceptance of an appeal, if the court finds it unimportant.
Changes and moves to paragraph (6) by (Act No. 39 of 2025)
The high court must give the ruling prescribed in paragraph (3) within two weeks from the date on which the court received the written request prescribed in paragraph (2) from the court of prior instance.
Changes and moves to paragraph (7) by (Act No. 39 of 2025)
When the ruling prescribed in paragraph (3) is made, it is deemed that an appeal has been filed. In this case, to apply the provisions of Article 32-2, the reasons for the request for acceptance of an appeal, excluding those eliminated pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (4), are deemed as the reasons for the appeal.
Article 32-5Court-Appointed Attendants for Second Instance
第三十二条の五(抗告審における国選付添人)
Changes by (Act No. 39 of 2025)
When the ruling prescribed in paragraph (3) of the preceding Article is given, the court in charge of the appeal must appoint an attendant who is an attorney-at-law, if the juvenile does not have an attendant who is an attorney-at-law.
For the case prescribed in Article 22-3, paragraph (2) (limited to the case for which the family court conducted the measures prescribed in Article 17, paragraph (1), item (ii)), the court in charge of the appeal may appoint an attendant who is an attorney-at-law, if the juvenile does not have an attendant who is an attorney-at-law, and if the court finds that an attendant who is an attorney-at-law, needs to attend the proceedings of second instance, taking into consideration the nature of the case, presence or absence of the parent or guardian and other circumstances.
抗告裁判所は、第二十二条の三第二項に規定する事件(家庭裁判所において第十七条第一項第二号の措置がとられたものに限る。)について、少年に弁護士である付添人がなく、かつ、事案の内容、保護者の有無その他の事情を考慮し、抗告審の審理に弁護士である付添人が関与する必要があると認めるときは、弁護士である付添人を付することができる。
Article 32-6Mutatis Mutandis Application
第三十二条の六(準用)
Beyond what is provided for in Articles 32-2, 32-3 and the preceding Article, the rules of the family court concerning trial and decision apply mutatis mutandis to proceedings of second instance unless contrary to its nature.
Article 33Judicial Decision of Second Instance
第三十三条(抗告審の裁判)
If the procedure for an appeal violates the provisions, or if there are no grounds for an appeal, it must be dismissed by a ruling.
抗告の手続がその規定に違反したとき、又は抗告が理由のないときは、決定をもつて、抗告を棄却しなければならない。
If there are grounds for an appeal, the court must issue a ruling, revoke the ruling given in the prior instance, and remand the case to the court of prior instance, or transfer the case to another family court.
抗告が理由のあるときは、決定をもつて、原決定を取り消して、事件を原裁判所に差し戻し、又は他の家庭裁判所に移送しなければならない。
Article 34Suspension of Execution
第三十四条(執行の停止)
No appeal is to have the effect of suspending execution; provided, however, that the court of prior or second instance may suspend the execution by a ruling.
抗告は、執行を停止する効力を有しない。但し、原裁判所又は抗告裁判所は、決定をもつて、執行を停止することができる。
The juvenile, or the statutory agent or attendant of the juvenile, may particularly appeal against the ruling prescribed in Article 33 given by the court in charge of the appeal to the Supreme Court within two weeks, only on the grounds that the ruling violates the Constitution or the Constitution is misconstrued, or is contrary to the precedents of the Supreme Court or the high court as the court of second instance; provided, however, that the attendant may not file an appeal that goes against the explicit intentions of the parent or guardian who appointed the attendant.
The provisions of Article 32-2, Article 32-3, Article 32-5, paragraph (2) and Article 32-6 through to the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis to the case prescribed in the preceding paragraph. In this case, the term "revoke the ruling given in the prior instance, and remand the case to the court of prior instance, or transfer the case to another family court" in Article 33, paragraph (2) is deemed to be replaced with "revoke the ruling. In this case, the ruling given by the family court may be revoked, and remand the case to the family court, or transfer the case to another family court".
第三十二条の二、第三十二条の三、第三十二条の五第二項及び第三十二条の六から前条までの規定は、前項の場合に、これを準用する。この場合において、第三十三条第二項中「取り消して、事件を原裁判所に差し戻し、又は他の家庭裁判所に移送しなければならない」とあるのは、「取り消さなければならない。この場合には、家庭裁判所の決定を取り消して、事件を家庭裁判所に差し戻し、又は他の家庭裁判所に移送することができる」と読み替えるものとする。
第三十六条(その他の事項)
Beyond what is provided for in this Act, matters necessary for protection cases are prescribed by the Supreme Court.
この法律で定めるものの外、保護事件に関して必要な事項は、最高裁判所がこれを定める。
No English for this paragraph yet.
削除
Section 1 General Rules
第一節 通則
第四十条(準拠法例)
Section 2 Procedure
第二節 手続
Article 41Referral by a Judicial Police Officer
第四十一条(司法警察員の送致)
If a judicial police officer, as a result of the investigation of a suspected juvenile case, deems that there is a suspicion of a crime punishable by a fine or less, they must refer the case to a family court. This also applies if a judicial police officer deems that there are grounds for referring the case to a family court for trial and decision, even if there is no suspicion of a crime having been committed.
司法警察員は、少年の被疑事件について捜査を遂げた結果、罰金以下の刑にあたる犯罪の嫌疑があるものと思料するときは、これを家庭裁判所に送致しなければならない。犯罪の嫌疑がない場合でも、家庭裁判所の審判に付すべき事由があると思料するときは、同様である。
Article 42Referral by a Public Prosecutor
第四十二条(検察官の送致)
If a public prosecutor, as a result of the investigation of a suspected juvenile case, deems that there is a suspicion of a crime, they must refer the case to a family court, except in the case prescribed in the main clause of Article 45, item (v). The same applies if a public prosecutor deems that there are grounds for referring the case to a family court for trial and decision, even if there is no suspicion of a crime having been committed.
In the case of the preceding paragraph, the appointment of a defense counsel for the suspect by a judge, based on the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, becomes ineffective.
前項の場合においては、刑事訴訟法の規定に基づく裁判官による被疑者についての弁護人の選任は、その効力を失う。
Article 43Measures in Lieu of Detention
第四十三条(勾留に代る措置)
A public prosecutor, in a suspected juvenile case, may file a request for the measures prescribed in Article 17, paragraph (1), with a judge, in lieu of a request for detention; provided, however, that the request for measures prescribed in Article 17, paragraph (1), item (i) must be filed with a judge of the family court.
検察官は、少年の被疑事件においては、裁判官に対して、勾留の請求に代え、第十七条第一項の措置を請求することができる。但し、第十七条第一項第一号の措置は、家庭裁判所の裁判官に対して、これを請求しなければならない。
Upon receipt of the request prescribed in the preceding paragraph, the judge also has the authority that the family court does for the measures prescribed in Article 17, paragraph (1).
Article 44Effect of Measures in Lieu of Detention
第四十四条(勾留に代る措置の効力)
When a judge conducts the measures prescribed in Article 17, paragraph (1), item (i) based on the request pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, the public prosecutor must immediately file a request to revoke the measures with a judge, if the prosecutor investigates and decides not to refer the case to a family court.
裁判官が前条第一項の請求に基いて第十七条第一項第一号の措置をとつた場合において、検察官は、捜査を遂げた結果、事件を家庭裁判所に送致しないときは、直ちに、裁判官に対して、その措置の取消を請求しなければならない。
When conducting the measures prescribed in Article 17, paragraph (1), item (ii) upon request pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, the judge must issue a warrant to do this.
裁判官が前条第一項の請求に基いて第十七条第一項第二号の措置をとるときは、令状を発してこれをしなければならない。
The measures prescribed in the preceding paragraph remains in effect for ten days from the date on which the request is filed.
前項の措置の効力は、その請求をした日から十日とする。
Article 45Treatment After Referral to a Public Prosecutor
第四十五条(検察官へ送致後の取扱い)
The following provisions apply when a family court refers a case to a public prosecutor, pursuant to the provisions of Article 20, paragraph (1):
家庭裁判所が、第二十条第一項の規定によつて事件を検察官に送致したときは、次の例による。
unless the juvenile is referred to a family court again, the measures prescribed in Article 17, paragraph (1), item (i) becomes ineffective if no prosecution is instituted within ten days of the referral of the case to the public prosecutor. If the prosecution is instituted, the court, by its own authority or by request from a public prosecutor, may revoke the measures at any time;
第十七条第一項第一号の措置は、その少年の事件が再び家庭裁判所に送致された場合を除いて、検察官が事件の送致を受けた日から十日以内に公訴が提起されないときは、その効力を失う。公訴が提起されたときは、裁判所は、検察官の請求により、又は職権をもつて、いつでも、これを取り消すことができる。
if a detention warrant is issued in the course of the measure prescribed in the preceding item, the measure becomes ineffective by this;
前号の措置の継続中、勾留状が発せられたときは、その措置は、これによつて、その効力を失う。
the measure prescribed in Article 17, paragraph (1), item (ii) is deemed as detention conducted by a judge, and its period begins from the day of referral to a public prosecutor. In this case, this period may not be extended if a detention warrant has already been issued for the case;
第十七条第一項第二号の措置は、これを裁判官のした勾留とみなし、その期間は、検察官が事件の送致を受けた日から、これを起算する。この場合において、その事件が先に勾留状の発せられた事件であるときは、この期間は、これを延長することができない。
if the public prosecutor deems that there is enough suspicion of a crime to institute a prosecution for a case referred to them by a family court, they must institute a prosecution; provided, however, that this does not apply where suspicion of a crime is not sufficient enough to institute a prosecution in part of the referred case, or a new fact that can affect the circumstances of the crime etc. is found, so that prosecution is considered inappropriate. This also applies to when prosecution is considered inappropriate due to the circumstances after the referral;
検察官は、家庭裁判所から送致を受けた事件について、公訴を提起するに足りる犯罪の嫌疑があると思料するときは、公訴を提起しなければならない。ただし、送致を受けた事件の一部について公訴を提起するに足りる犯罪の嫌疑がないか、又は犯罪の情状等に影響を及ぼすべき新たな事情を発見したため、訴追を相当でないと思料するときは、この限りでない。送致後の情況により訴追を相当でないと思料するときも、同様である。
the attendant who is an attorney-at-law appointed pursuant to the provisions of Article 10, paragraph (1) is deemed to be the defense counsel;
第十条第一項の規定により選任された弁護士である付添人は、これを弁護人とみなす。
if the measures prescribed in Article 17, paragraph (1), item (ii) are deemed as detention, conducted by a judge pursuant to the provisions of item (iv), a detention warrant is deemed as having been issued and the provisions in the Code of Criminal Procedure for appointment of a defense counsel for the suspect by a judge apply to the case.
第四号の規定により第十七条第一項第二号の措置が裁判官のした勾留とみなされた場合には、勾留状が発せられているものとみなして、刑事訴訟法中、裁判官による被疑者についての弁護人の選任に関する規定を適用する。
第四十五条の二
The provisions of items (i) through (iv), and (vii) of the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis to when a family court refers the case to a public prosecutor pursuant to the provisions in Article 19, paragraph (2) or in Article 23 paragraph (3).
前条第一号から第四号まで及び第七号の規定は、家庭裁判所が、第十九条第二項又は第二十三条第三項の規定により、事件を検察官に送致した場合に準用する。
Article 45-3Bearing of Court Costs
第四十五条の三(訴訟費用の負担)
If a family court makes the ruling prescribed in Article 23, paragraph (2), or in Article 24, paragraph (1), regarding a case in which a judge assigns a defense counsel, in advance, for the suspect, the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure concerning the bearing of court costs apply mutatis mutandis. In this case, the term "render a sentence" in Article 181, paragraphs (1) and (2) in that Code is replaced by "give a ruling on disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent".
In a case in which a family court decides to order the juvenile to bear the court costs, a public prosecutor may inspect and copy the records and evidence of the case to the extent that is necessary to enforce the court decision, as prescribed by the Rules of the Supreme Court.
検察官は、家庭裁判所が少年に訴訟費用の負担を命ずる裁判をした事件について、その裁判を執行するため必要な限度で、最高裁判所規則の定めるところにより、事件の記録及び証拠物を閲覧し、及び謄写することができる。
If a disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent, as prescribed in Article 24, paragraph (1), has been made against a juvenile who has committed a crime, the case for which a trial and decision have been concluded may not be criminally prosecuted or be subjected to a trial and decision in a family court.
If a ruling referred to in Article 22-2, paragraph (1) has been given to a case, and the ruling not to subject a juvenile to disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent becomes final and binding on the case on which the ruling referred to in that paragraph has been given, on the ground that there are no grounds to subject the juvenile to a trial and decision, or that it is not necessary to subject the juvenile to the disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent, the provisions of the preceding paragraph apply.
第二十二条の二第一項の決定がされた場合において、同項の決定があつた事件につき、審判に付すべき事由の存在が認められないこと又は保護処分に付する必要がないことを理由とした保護処分に付さない旨の決定が確定したときは、その事件についても、前項と同様とする。
The provisions of paragraph (1) do not apply to the case in which a ruling to revoke a disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent pursuant to the provisions of Article 27-2, paragraph (1) has become final and binding; provided, however, that this does not apply to the case, if a ruling as prescribed in Article 22-2, paragraph (1) that is to be governed by the provisions of Article 27-2, paragraph (6) is given, and the disposition is revoked on the grounds that there is no reason to subject a juvenile to a trial and decision.
第一項の規定は、第二十七条の二第一項の規定による保護処分の取消しの決定が確定した事件については、適用しない。ただし、当該事件につき同条第六項の規定によりその例によることとされる第二十二条の二第一項の決定がされた場合であつて、その取消しの理由が審判に付すべき事由の存在が認められないことであるときは、この限りでない。
Article 47Suspension of Statute of Limitations
第四十七条(時効の停止)
The statute of limitations for prosecution is suspended during the period from the date on which the ruling prescribed in Article 21 is given on the case prescribed in the first sentence of Article 8, paragraph (1), or from the date on which the case prescribed in the second sentence of Article 8, paragraph (1) was referred to a family court, to the date on which the ruling to subject disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent becomes final and binding.
The provisions of the preceding paragraph apply to cases in which the juvenile has reached 20 years of age, after the ruling or referral prescribed in Article 21.
第四十八条(勾留)
A detention warrant may not be issued against a juvenile unless it is unavoidable.
勾留状は、やむを得ない場合でなければ、少年に対して、これを発することはできない。
If a juvenile is detained, then the juvenile may be detained in a juvenile classification home.
少年を勾留する場合には、少年鑑別所にこれを拘禁することができる。
The provisions of the preceding paragraph remain applicable even after the juvenile reaches 20 years of age.
本人が満二十歳に達した後でも、引き続き前項の規定によることができる。
第四十九条(取扱いの分離)
A juvenile suspect or defendant must be separated from other suspects or defendants to avoid contact with them as much as possible.
少年の被疑者又は被告人は、他の被疑者又は被告人と分離して、なるべく、その接触を避けなければならない。
The proceedings against the juvenile defendant must be separated, even if related to other defendant cases, as long as the proceedings are not obstructed.
少年に対する被告事件は、他の被告事件と関連する場合にも、審理に妨げない限り、その手続を分離しなければならない。
At a penal institution, detention facility or coast guard detention facility, a juvenile, (other than a sentenced person as prescribed in Article 2, item (iv) of the Act on Penal Detention Facilities and the Treatment of Inmates and Detainees (Act No. 50 of 2005) (excluding any person with the status of detainee awaiting a judicial decision as prescribed in item (vii) of that Article)), must be detained separately from persons of 20 years of age or older.
刑事施設、留置施設及び海上保安留置施設においては、少年(刑事収容施設及び被収容者等の処遇に関する法律(平成十七年法律第五十号)第二条第四号の受刑者(同条第七号の未決拘禁者としての地位を有するものを除く。)を除く。)を二十歳以上の者と分離して収容しなければならない。
第五十条(審理の方針)
Section 3 Dispositions
第三節 処分
Article 51Mitigation of Death Penalty and Imprisonment for Life
第五十一条(死刑と無期拘禁刑の緩和)
If a person is under 18 years of age when the crime was committed, then they will be sentenced to imprisonment for life, if the punishment would otherwise be the death penalty.
罪を犯すとき十八歳に満たない者に対しては、死刑をもつて処断すべきときは、無期拘禁刑を科する。
If a person is under 18 years of age when the crime was committed, they may be sentenced to imprisonment for a fixed term, if the punishment would otherwise be imprisonment for life. In this case, the punishment will be a sentence of 10 years or more to no more than 20 years.
罪を犯すとき十八歳に満たない者に対しては、無期拘禁刑をもつて処断すべきときであつても、有期拘禁刑を科することができる。この場合において、その刑は、十年以上二十年以下において言い渡す。
Article 52Indeterminate Sentences
第五十二条(不定期刑)
If a juvenile is to be sentenced to imprisonment for a fixed term, a sentence for the maximum term of imprisonment is determined within the range of the punishment to be imposed, with the minimum term of imprisonment being at least one-half of the maximum term of imprisonment (if the maximum term of imprisonment is less than 10 years; 5 years less than the maximum term of imprisonment; this also applies in the following paragraph). In this case, the maximum term of imprisonment may not exceed 15 years, and the minimum term of imprisonment may not exceed 10 years.
Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, if it is found particularly necessary, taking into consideration the possibility of improvement and rehabilitation of the juvenile and other circumstances, the minimum term of imprisonment prescribed in that paragraph may be determined within not less than one-half of the minimum term of imprisonment of the punishment to be imposed, and not less than one-half of the maximum term of imprisonment. In this case, the provisions of Article 14, paragraph (2) of the Penal Code apply mutatis mutandis.
The provisions of the preceding two paragraphs do not apply in the case when suspension of execution of sentence is rendered.
刑の執行猶予の言渡しをする場合には、前二項の規定は、これを適用しない。
Article 53Number of Days of Detention at a Juvenile Classification Home
第五十三条(少年鑑別所収容中の日数)
When the measures prescribed in Article 17, paragraph (1), item (ii) are implemented, the number of days of detention at a juvenile classification home is deemed as the number of days of pre-sentencing detention.
第十七条第一項第二号の措置がとられた場合においては、少年鑑別所に収容中の日数は、これを未決勾留の日数とみなす。
Article 55Transfer to a Family Court
第五十五条(家庭裁判所への移送)
Article 56Execution of Imprisonment
第五十六条(拘禁刑の執行)
Regarding a juvenile sentenced to imprisonment (excluding a person serving their sentence at a juvenile training school pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (3)), the sentence is executed in a specially established penal institution or a specially partitioned area in a penal institution or detention facility.
The execution pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph may be continued until the juvenile in question reaches 26 years of age.
本人が二十六歳に達するまでは、前項の規定による執行を継続することができる。
Notwithstanding the provisions in Article 12, paragraph (2) of the Penal Code, a juvenile under 16 years of age sentenced to imprisonment may serve their sentence at a juvenile training school until they reach 16 years of age. In this case, correctional education is given to the juvenile.
If a sentence of imprisonment or penal detention becomes final and binding in the course of the disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent, the sentence is executed first. The same applies if a sentence of imprisonment or penal detention has become final and binding and the disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent is made before the sentence is executed.
保護処分の継続中、拘禁刑又は拘留の刑が確定したときは、先に刑を執行する。拘禁刑又は拘留の刑が確定してその執行前保護処分がなされたときも、同様である。
第五十八条(仮釈放)
A person sentenced to imprisonment as a juvenile may be paroled after the following periods have passed:
少年のとき拘禁刑の言渡しを受けた者については、次の期間を経過した後、仮釈放をすることができる。
seven years in the case of imprisonment for life;
無期拘禁刑については七年
one-third of a term of sentence in the case of imprisonment for a fixed term rendered pursuant to the provisions of Article 51, paragraph (2);
第五十一条第二項の規定により言い渡した有期拘禁刑については、その刑期の三分の一
one-third of a minimum imprisonment term in the case of imprisonment rendered pursuant to the provisions of Article 52, paragraph (1), or pursuant to the provisions of paragraphs (1) and (2) of that Article.
The provisions of item (i) of the preceding paragraph do not apply to a person sentenced to imprisonment for life pursuant to the provisions of Article 51, paragraph (1).
Article 59Termination of the Parole Period
第五十九条(仮釈放期間の終了)
If a person who has been sentenced to imprisonment for life as a juvenile has been paroled, and ten years have passed without revocation of the parole, then the person is deemed to have served their full sentence.
少年のとき無期拘禁刑の言渡しを受けた者が、仮釈放後、その処分を取り消されないで十年を経過したときは、刑の執行を受け終わつたものとする。
If a person who has been sentenced to imprisonment for a fixed term as a juvenile, pursuant to the provisions of Article 51, paragraph (2), or pursuant to the provisions of Article 52, paragraph (1) or paragraphs (1) and (2) of that Article, has been paroled, and, without revocation of the parole, a period equal to the period during which the person served the sentence before being paroled, or the term of sentence prescribed in Article 51, paragraph (2) or the maximum term of imprisonment prescribed in Article 52, paragraph (1), has passed, then the person is deemed to have served their full sentence at whichever of those times comes first.
With respect to application of laws and regulations regarding personal qualification, a person who had been sentenced for an offense committed as a juvenile and has served their sentence or who has been exempted from execution of the sentence is deemed not to have been sentenced from that point on.
少年のとき犯した罪により刑に処せられてその執行を受け終り、又は執行の免除を受けた者は、人の資格に関する法令の適用については、将来に向つて刑の言渡を受けなかつたものとみなす。
When a person has been sentenced for an offense committed as a juvenile, but the execution of the sentence has been suspended, the person is deemed to have served their sentence during that suspension period, and the provisions of the preceding paragraph apply.
In the case of the preceding paragraph, if the suspension of execution of the sentence is revoked, the person is deemed to have been sentenced when it is revoked, with respect to the application of laws and regulations regarding personal qualifications.
前項の場合において、刑の執行猶予の言渡を取り消されたときは、人の資格に関する法令の適用については、その取り消されたとき、刑の言渡があつたものとみなす。
Chapter IV Prohibition on Publication of News Articles
第四章 記事等の掲載の禁止
第六十一条
No newspaper or other publication may publish any news article or photograph from which a person subject to a trial and decision of a family court, or who has been prosecuted for a crime committed as a juvenile, could have their identity be inferred from the name, age, occupation, residence, appearance, etc.
家庭裁判所の審判に付された少年又は少年のとき犯した罪により公訴を提起された者については、氏名、年齢、職業、住居、容ぼう等によりその者が当該事件の本人であることを推知することができるような記事又は写真を新聞紙その他の出版物に掲載してはならない。
Chapter V Special Provisions for Specified Juveniles
第五章 特定少年の特例
Section 1 Special Provisions for Protection Cases
第一節 保護事件の特例
Article 62Special Provisions on Referral to a Public Prosecutor
第六十二条(検察官への送致についての特例)
Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 20, the family court, by a ruling, must refer a case of a specified juvenile (meaning a juvenile of 18 years of age or older; the same applies below) to a public prosecutor at the public prosecutor's office, which is the counterpart of the district court that has jurisdiction over the case, if a criminal disposition is found appropriate as a result of the investigation, considering the nature and circumstances of the crime.
Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the family court must give the ruling referred to in that paragraph for a case of a specified juvenile stated in the following; provided, however, this does not apply if the court finds any measures other than criminal disposition as more appropriate, as a result of the investigation, which considers the motive, manner and results of the crime, situation after the crime, the specified juvenile's personality traits, age, conduct, environment and other circumstances:
a case involving a crime causing the death of a victim through an intentional criminal act, in which the specified juvenile was 16 years of age or older when they committed the crime;
故意の犯罪行為により被害者を死亡させた罪の事件であつて、その罪を犯すとき十六歳以上の少年に係るもの
a case involving a crime punishable by the death penalty, imprisonment for life, or imprisonment with a minimum term of one year or more, in which the specified juvenile was a specified juvenile at the time that crime was committed (excluding a case that falls under the preceding item).
第六十三条
In deciding whether or not to refer the case to a public prosecutor pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, in relation to any of the crimes prescribed in the Public Offices Election Act (Act No. 100 of 1950; including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to other laws) and the Political Funds Control Act (Act No. 194 of 1948) (excluding cases involving the crime prescribed in the following paragraph, that fall under that paragraph), which involved someone who was a specified juvenile when they committed the relevant crime, the family court must take into consideration the ensuring, etc. of fairness in elections.
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, in a case of a specified juvenile involved in the crime referred to in Article 247 of the Public Offices Election Act, or the crime prescribed in Article 251-2, paragraph (1) of that Act which is committed by any of the persons stated in any of the items in that paragraph, the crime prescribed in Article 251-3, paragraph (1) of that Act which is committed by the organizational election campaign manager, etc. referred to in that paragraph or in case of a crime prescribed in Article 251-4, paragraph(1) of that Act which is committed by any of the persons stated in any of the items in that paragraph, in which the specified juvenile was a specified juvenile when they committed the crime, the family court must give the ruling referred to in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article if it finds that the nature of the crime is seriously prejudicial to ensuring fairness in elections. In this case, the provisions of the proviso to paragraph (2) of the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 24, paragraph (1), except for the case referred to in Article 23, the family court, in a juvenile case for which it has commenced a trial and decision, must subject a juvenile to any of the disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent stated in the following items by a ruling within a reasonable extent, in consideration of the seriousness of the circumstances of the crime, if the juvenile is a specified juvenile; provided, however, that only the dispositions referred to in item (i) may be implemented for a case of a crime punishable by a fine or lighter punishment:
placing the juvenile on probation at the probation office for six months;
六月の保護観察所の保護観察に付すること。
placing the juvenile on probation at the probation office for two years;
二年の保護観察所の保護観察に付すること。
referring the juvenile to a juvenile training school.
少年院に送致すること。
For the probation as referred to in item (ii) of the preceding paragraph, in the case prescribed in Article 66, paragraph (1), the family court may detain the juvenile to a juvenile training school by the ruling referred to in that paragraph, and when implementing the disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent referred to in that item, the family court must specify, concurrently with the ruling imposing the disposition, the period during which the juvenile may be detained at a juvenile training school by the ruling referred to in Article 66, paragraph (1), within a range of not exceeding one year, in consideration of the seriousness of the circumstances of the crime.
When conducting the disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent referred to in paragraph (1), item (iii), the family court must specify, concurrently with the ruling imposing the disposition, the period during which the juvenile is to be detained at a juvenile training school, within a range of not exceeding three years, in consideration of the seriousness of the circumstances of the crime.
家庭裁判所は、第一項第三号の保護処分をするときは、その決定と同時に、三年以下の範囲内において犯情の軽重を考慮して少年院に収容する期間を定めなければならない。
For a specified juvenile who has been placed under detention or subjected to the measures referred to in Article 17, paragraph (1), item (ii), the days spent in pre-sentencing detention may be included in whole or in part into the period to be prescribed pursuant to the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs.
勾留され又は第十七条第一項第二号の措置がとられた特定少年については、未決勾留の日数は、その全部又は一部を、前二項の規定により定める期間に算入することができる。
With respect to the disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent referred to in paragraph (1), the family court may have the chief probation officer conduct measures for modification of the family and other environments.
第一項の保護処分においては、保護観察所の長をして、家庭その他の環境調整に関する措置を行わせることができる。
Article 65Application Relating to This Act
第六十五条(この法律の適用関係)
The provisions of Article 3, paragraph (1), (limited to the part concerning item (iii)) do not apply to a specified juvenile.
The provisions of Article 12, Article 26, paragraph (4), and Article 26-2 do not apply to a juvenile protection case for a specified juvenile (excluding the case relating to the disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent provided in Article 26-4, paragraph (1)).
The provisions of Article 27-2, paragraph (5) do not apply to a person detained at a juvenile training school if the family court revokes the disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent referred to in paragraph (1), item (ii) or (iii) of the preceding Article.
第二十七条の二第五項の規定は、少年院に収容中の者について、前条第一項第二号又は第三号の保護処分を取り消した場合には、適用しない。
To apply the provisions of this Act listed in the left-hand column of the following Table to a juvenile protection case for a specified juvenile, the terms in these provisions listed in the middle column of the Table are to be replaced with the terms listed in the right-hand column of the Table.
| Article 4 | Article 20, paragraph (1) | Article 62, paragraph (1) |
| The proviso to Article 17-2, paragraph (1), the proviso of Article 32, and the proviso to Article 35, paragraph (1) (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 17-3, paragraph (1), following the deemed replacement of terms) | the parent or guardian who appointed the attendant | the specified juvenile referred to in Article 62, paragraph (1) |
| Article 23, paragraph (1) | or Article 20 | , Article 62, or Article 63, paragraph (2) |
| Article 24-2, paragraph (1) | paragraph (1) of the preceding Article | Article 64, paragraph (1) |
| Article 25, paragraph (1) and Article 27-2, paragraph (6) | Article 24, paragraph (1) | Article 64, paragraph (1) |
| Article 26, paragraphs (1) and (2) | And Article 24, paragraph (1), items (ii) and (iii) | and Article 64, paragraph (1), item (iii) |
| Article 26-3 | Article 24, paragraph (1), item (iii) | Article 64, paragraph (1), item (iii) |
| Article 28 | Article 24 or Article 25 | Article 25 or Article 64 |
特定少年である少年の保護事件に関する次の表の上欄に掲げるこの法律の規定の適用については、これらの規定中同表の中欄に掲げる字句は、同表の下欄に掲げる字句とする。
| 第四条 | 第二十条第一項 | 第六十二条第一項 |
| 第十七条の二第一項ただし書、第三十二条ただし書及び第三十五条第一項ただし書(第十七条の三第一項において読み替えて準用する場合を含む。) | 選任者である保護者 | 第六十二条第一項の特定少年 |
| 第二十三条第一項 | 又は第二十条 | 、第六十二条又は第六十三条第二項 |
| 第二十四条の二第一項 | 前条第一項 | 第六十四条第一項 |
| 第二十五条第一項及び第二十七条の二第六項 | 第二十四条第一項 | 第六十四条第一項 |
| 第二十六条第一項及び第二項 | 並びに第二十四条第一項第二号及び第三号 | 及び第六十四条第一項第三号 |
| 第二十六条の三 | 第二十四条第一項第三号 | 第六十四条第一項第三号 |
| 第二十八条 | 第二十四条又は第二十五条 | 第二十五条又は第六十四条 |
Article 66Ruling of Detention of a Person Under Probation to a Juvenile Training School
第六十六条(保護観察中の者に対する収容決定)
If the application referred to in Article 68-2 of the Offenders Rehabilitation Act is filed, the family court, by a ruling, must detain a juvenile at a juvenile training school when the family court, as a result of the trial and decision, has reasonable grounds to show that the juvenile who is subject to the disposition for rehabilitation of an adjudicated delinquent referred to in Article 64, paragraph (1), item (ii) failed to comply with the matters to be observed, and the family court finds that the failure is so serious, and that it is impossible to improve or rehabilitate the juvenile without treating the juvenile at a juvenile training school; provided, however, that this does not apply if the total period during which the juvenile has already been detained at a juvenile training school by the ruling referred to in this paragraph reaches the period specified pursuant to the provisions of Article 64, paragraph (2).
更生保護法第六十八条の二の申請があつた場合において、家庭裁判所は、審判の結果、第六十四条第一項第二号の保護処分を受けた者がその遵守すべき事項を遵守しなかつたと認められる事由があり、その程度が重く、かつ、少年院において処遇を行わなければ本人の改善及び更生を図ることができないと認めるときは、これを少年院に収容する旨の決定をしなければならない。ただし、この項の決定により既に少年院に収容した期間が通算して同条第二項の規定により定められた期間に達しているときは、この限りでない。
Beyond what is provided for in the following paragraph, the procedure in the case on the ruling referred to in the preceding paragraph is governed by the same rules as those applicable to the procedure for a juvenile protection case of a specified juvenile provided for in this Act (excluding this paragraph), unless it is contrary to its nature.
When making the ruling referred to in paragraph (1), the days spent under detention, with respect to the measures referred to in Article 17, paragraph (1), item (ii), or the detention provided for in Article 68-3, paragraph (1) of the Offenders Rehabilitation Act, which is governed by the same rules as those applicable under these provisions pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, may be included in whole, or in part, to the period specified pursuant to the provisions of Article 64, paragraph (2).
第一項の決定をする場合においては、前項の規定によりその例によることとされる第十七条第一項第二号の措置における収容及び更生保護法第六十八条の三第一項の規定による留置の日数は、その全部又は一部を、第六十四条第二項の規定により定められた期間に算入することができる。
Section 2 Special Provisions for Criminal Cases
第二節 刑事事件の特例
第六十七条
The provisions of Article 41, and Article 43, paragraph (3) do not apply to a suspected case against a specified juvenile (regarding the provisions of Article 43, paragraph (3), limited to the case for which the ruling referred to in Article 20, paragraph (1) or Article 62, paragraph (1), is given).
The provisions of Article 48, paragraph (1) and Article 49, paragraphs (1) and (3) do not apply to a suspected case against a specified juvenile (limited to cases in which the ruling referred to in Article 20, paragraph (1) or Article 62, paragraph (1) is given) or the defendant who is a specified juvenile.
The provisions of Article 49, paragraph (2) do not apply to a case in which a specified juvenile is the defendant.
The provisions of Article 52, Article 54, and Article 56, paragraphs (1) and (2) do not apply to a specified juvenile.
The provisions of Articles 58 and 59 do not apply to a person who is sentenced as a specified juvenile.
The provisions of Article 60 do not apply to a person who is sentenced for a crime committed as a specified juvenile.
To apply the provisions of this Act listed in the left-hand column of the following Table to a juvenile criminal case of a specified juvenile, the terms and phrases in these provisions listed in the middle column of the table are deemed to be replaced with the terms and phrase listed in the right-hand column of the table.
| Article 45 | Article 20, paragraph (1) | Article 62, paragraph (1) |
| Article 45-3, paragraph (1) and Article 46, paragraph (1) | Article 24, paragraph (1) | Article 64, paragraph (1) |
Section 3 Special Provisions for Prohibition of Publication of News Articles
第三節 記事等の掲載の禁止の特例
第六十八条
The provisions of Article 61 do not apply to any news article or photograph referred to in that Article for cases in which a prosecution is brought for a crime committed by a specified juvenile; provided, however, that this does not apply if the request referred to in Article 461 of the Code of Criminal Procedure is filed for the case of that crime (except when the case is tried based on regular provisions pursuant to the provisions of Article 463, paragraph (1) or (2), or Article 468, paragraph (2) of that Code).
juvenile
「少年」
In this Act, a person under 20 years of age.
Defined inArticle 2, paragraph (1)· applies throughout the law
parent or guardian
「保護者」
In this Act, a person who has a legal duty to have custody of and educate a juvenile (少年), or a person who actually has the juvenile in their care.
Defined inArticle 2, paragraph (2)· applies throughout the law
victim, etc.machine translation
「被害者等」
From Article 5-2 on, a victim, the victim's legal representative (法定代理人), or, where the victim has died or has a serious physical or mental disability, the victim's spouse, lineal relative (直系の親族) or brother or sister.
Defined inArticle 5-2, paragraph (1)
order to provide electronic or magnetic recordsmachine translation
「電磁的記録提供命令」
In Article 6-5, paragraph (2) and Article 15, an order to provide electronic or magnetic records (電磁的記録) under Article 102-2, paragraph (1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure — an order to provide the records needed by a method it specifies — counting only one that has them recorded or moved, over a telecommunications line, onto a recording medium managed by the person making the order; a police officer investigating the case of a juvenile under 14 who has done an act that breaks a criminal law may make one.
Short name set inArticle 6-5, paragraph (1)· applies only in this provision and in Article 6-5, paragraph (2); and Article 15
child welfare officermachine translation
「児童福祉司」
In Article 16, paragraph (1) and Article 26, paragraph (1), a child welfare officer as defined in Article 12-3, paragraph (2), item (vi) of the Child Welfare Act: a staff member in charge of affairs concerning the welfare of children.
Defined inArticle 16, paragraph (1)· applies only in this provision and in Article 26, paragraph (1)
request for acceptance of an appeal
「抗告受理の申立て」
A petition in which a public prosecutor (検察官), where the family court has had a prosecutor take part in the hearing under Article 22-2, paragraph (1), asks a high court within two weeks to accept the case as an appeal court (抗告審) against the decision to impose or not to impose a protective measure (保護処分), on the sole ground of a breach of law or a serious error of fact in finding the delinquent act that affected the decision; it is filed by submitting a written petition to the court that made the decision.
Short name set inArticle 32-4, paragraph (2)
specified juvenile
「特定少年」
From Article 62 on, a juvenile (少年) aged 18 or older — that is, aged 18 or 19, since a juvenile under this Act is under 20.
Defined inArticle 62, paragraph (1)
fine
罰金
A criminal punishment of paying money to the state, of 10,000 yen or more, or less where it is reduced (Penal Code, Article 15). It ranks below imprisonment (拘禁刑) and above penal detention (拘留) and a petty fine (科料) (Articles 9 and 10, paragraph (1)). A person who cannot pay it in full is held in a workhouse (労役場) for one day to two years, or up to three years where fines are imposed together, a period set when the sentence is passed (Article 18, paragraphs (1), (3) and (4)); not within thirty days of the sentence becoming final without the person's consent (paragraph (5)). If it is not enforced for three years after the sentence becomes final, the person is released from it by prescription (Articles 31 and 32, item (v)); the three years do not run while its execution is suspended under law or the person is abroad, and an act of execution interrupts them (Articles 33 and 34, paragraph (2)).
Written by AI using Penal Code, Arts. 9, 10, 15, 18, 31 to 34 as a reference.
imprisonment
拘禁刑
The punishment of being held in a penal institution (刑事施設), for life or for a fixed term of one month to twenty years (Penal Code, Article 12, paragraphs (1) and (2)); a fixed term can be raised to thirty years where the punishment is aggravated, or cut below one month where it is reduced (Article 14, paragraph (2)). To help the person reform and rehabilitate, they may be made to do work or given guidance (Article 12, paragraph (3)). It ranks below the death penalty and above a fine (罰金) among the principal punishments (Articles 9 and 10, paragraph (1)). It replaced imprisonment with work (懲役) and imprisonment without work (禁錮) when the Act Partially Amending the Penal Code, etc. (Act No. 67 of 2022) came into force (Act No. 67 of 2022, Article 2), and a person sentenced to either is treated, for the rules on a person's qualifications, as sentenced to imprisonment for the same term (Act No. 68 of 2022, Article 443, paragraph (1)).
Written by AI using Penal Code, Arts. 9, 10, 12, 14, Act No. 67 of 2022, Art. 2 and Act No. 68 of 2022, Art. 443 as a reference.
chief of a police station
警察署長
The head of a police station (警察署). The Police Act (警察法) divides each prefecture's area into districts, each served by a police station, and places a chief in every station (Police Act, Article 53, paragraphs (1) and (2)). Under the direction and supervision of the officers above the station in the prefectural police — the Superintendent General (警視総監) of Tokyo's police, the chief of a prefectural police headquarters (警察本部長), or, in Hokkaido, a district headquarters chief (方面本部長), among others — the chief handles police work within the station's district and directs and supervises the station's police officials (Article 53, paragraph (3); Articles 48 and 51). Under the Road Traffic Act, a person who means to work on a road, put up a structure or a fixed stall on it, or use it in another way the prefectural public safety commission (公安委員会) has listed as greatly affecting traffic, needs the permission of the chief of the police station for that place (Road Traffic Act, Article 77, paragraph (1)). Under the Lost Property Act, a finder must promptly return a found item to its owner or hand it in to a police station chief, and must hand in items that are illegal to possess or appear to have been held by a criminal (Lost Property Act, Article 4, paragraph (1)); something found inside a facility such as a station or shop goes to the facility's operator instead (Article 4, paragraph (2)).
Written by AI using Police Act, Arts. 48, 51, 53, Road Traffic Act, Art. 77 and Lost Property Act, Art. 4 as a reference.
public prosecutor
検察官
The official who brings a prosecution (公訴) for a crime before a court (Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 247), and who may decide not to prosecute where, in view of the offender's character, age and circumstances, the gravity and circumstances of the offence and what happened after it, prosecution is not needed (Article 248). In criminal cases a public prosecutor asks the court to apply the law correctly and oversees the carrying out of its judgments; and, as the representative of the public interest, a public prosecutor also does the work other laws and regulations assign to a public prosecutor, which is not limited to criminal cases (Public Prosecutors Office Act, Article 4). A public prosecutor may investigate any crime (Article 6, paragraph (1)). Public prosecutors work through the public prosecutors offices (検察庁): the Supreme, High, District and Local Public Prosecutors Offices (Article 1).
Written by AI using Code of Criminal Procedure, Arts. 247, 248 and Public Prosecutors Office Act, Arts. 1, 4, 6 as a reference.
Supreme Court
最高裁判所
The highest court, and the court of last resort on whether any law, order, regulation or official act conforms to the Constitution (Article 76, paragraph (1), and Article 81). That power is what makes the Constitution enforceable: there is no penalty attached to breaching it, and instead a conflicting rule is held to have no legal force (Article 98, paragraph (1)). Its judges are reviewed by the people at the first general election after appointment, and again after ten further years (Article 79, paragraph (2)).
Written by AI using Constitution, Arts. 76, 79, 81, 98 and Wikipedia: Supreme Court of Japan as a reference.
suspended sentence
執行猶予
A court's decision, when it passes a sentence, to hold off carrying it out. A person sentenced to imprisonment (拘禁刑) of three years or less or a fine (罰金) of 500,000 yen or less who has not been sentenced to imprisonment before, or not within five years of finishing such a sentence, may have the whole of it suspended for one to five years from the day the judgment becomes final (Penal Code, Article 25, paragraph (1)), and may be put under probation (保護観察) for that time (Article 25-2, paragraph (1)). A person whose earlier imprisonment was itself wholly suspended may have a new sentence of two years or less suspended again where there are especially extenuating circumstances, and is then put under probation (Article 25, paragraph (2); Article 25-2, paragraph (1)). If the period passes without the suspension being revoked, the sentence loses its effect (Article 27, paragraph (1)), unless a prosecution is pending for a crime committed in the period, in which case it stays in effect and can still be revoked (paragraphs (2), (4) and (5)); it must or may be revoked if, for example, the person commits another crime in the period and is sentenced to imprisonment without suspension (Articles 26 and 26-2). A sentence of imprisonment of three years or less may also be suspended in part, the rest being served first (Article 27-2).
Written by AI using Penal Code, Arts. 25 to 27-2 as a reference.