All juvenile cases go to family court (Juvenile Act Art. 41-42). Hearings are private (Art. 22). Dispositions include probation (Art. 24(1)(i)), reformatory school (Art. 24(1)(iii)), or reverse transfer to prosecutors for serious crimes (Art. 20). The 2022 reform created "specified juveniles" (18-19): expanded reverse transfer for serious crimes and allowed name disclosure upon prosecution (Art. 68). Criminal responsibility starts at age 14 (Criminal Code Art. 41).
Juvenile Criminal Proceedings in Japan: Family Court and Dispositions
Key Takeaways
- ✓All juvenile cases are referred to the family court
- ✓Dispositions focus on educational measures like probation or reform school
- ✓Specified juveniles aged 18-19 may face near-adult treatment
- ✓Serious offenses can be transferred back to criminal courts for adult trial
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