Japan Β· Courts
Court structure of Japan
Every tier of the judiciary, what it hears, and where an appeal goes next.
The hierarchy, top to bottom
- Supreme β Supreme Court of Japan
- Fifteen justices sitting in a grand bench and three petty benches.
- Appellate β High Courts
- Eight high courts plus the IP High Court.
- First instance β District Courts
- Fifty district courts; saiban-in panels for grave offences.
- Lower β Summary Courts
- Small claims and minor offences.
- Specialised β Family Courts
- Domestic relations and juvenile matters.
Every court in the hierarchy
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