Japanese Legal Terminology: An Extensive Glossary161

Introduction

The Japanese legal system is a complex and sophisticated one, with its own unique terminology. For those who work in the legal field or who have dealings with Japanese law, it is essential to have a basic understanding of this terminology. This article provides a comprehensive glossary of some of the most common Japanese legal terms, organized by category.

Courts

裁判所 (saibansho): Court
最高裁判所 (saiko saibansho): Supreme Court
高等裁判所 (koto saibansho): High Court
地方裁判所 (chiho saibansho): District Court
簡易裁判所 (kan'i saibansho): Summary Court

Judges and Lawyers

裁判官 (saiban): Judge
検察官 (kensatsukan): Public Prosecutor
弁護士 (bengoshi): Lawyer
弁護人 (bengonin): Defense Counsel

Legal Procedures

訴訟 (soshō): Lawsuit
裁判 (saiban): Trial
判決 (hankei): Judgment
控訴 (kōso): Appeal
上告 (jōkō): Supreme Court Appeal

Criminal Law

犯罪 (hanzai): Crime
殺人 (satsujin): Murder
強盗 (gōtō): Robbery
窃盗 (settō): Theft
詐欺 (sagi): Fraud

Civil Law

民法 (mimpō): Civil Code
契約 (keiyaku): Contract
債権 (saiken): Debt
不法行為 (fuho kōi): Tort
離婚 (rikon): Divorce

Administrative Law

行政法 (gyōsei hō): Administrative Law
行政機関 (gyōsei kikan): Administrative Agency
許可 (kyoka): License
命令 (meirei): Order
処分 (shobun): Disciplinary Action

Constitutional Law

憲法 (kenpō): Constitution
人権 (jinken): Human Rights
基本権 (kihonken): Fundamental Rights
法治国家 (hōchiseikoku): Rule of Law

Other Legal Terms

法令 (hōrei): Law or Regulation
条約 (jōyaku): Treaty
判例 (hanrei): Precedent
法律 (hōritsu): Statute
規則 (kisoku): Regulation

Conclusion

This article provides a basic overview of some of the most common Japanese legal terms. For a more comprehensive understanding of the Japanese legal system, it is recommended to consult with a qualified expert in Japanese law.

2025-01-19

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