Overview
- All 19 researchers who responded to Jiji Press’s October–November questionnaire backed prohibiting prosecutors from appealing decisions to commence retrials, a core plank of a cross‑party bill often justified by delays seen in cases such as Iwao Hakamada’s.
- The bill’s rule that judges would, in principle, order disclosure when a petitioner requests evidence drew broad backing, with eight in favor and nine somewhat in favor, and no opposition.
- Most respondents doubted that investigative agencies’ overall disclosure practices will expand under current discussions, with six saying they were unlikely and 11 saying they did not expect it.
- Members of the justice ministry’s law council subcommittee, including prosecutors and some scholars, have largely opposed or urged caution on the appeal ban, a stance 18 surveyed researchers said they could not evaluate positively.
- Beyond appeals and disclosure, large majorities supported recusing judges who handled prior rulings and codifying retrial procedures, with several scholars calling the panel’s view out of step and proposing rights such as allowing petitioners to request three‑party conferences.