Opinion Calling for the Establishment by Law of the Right to Have Counsel Present in Interrogations
April 13, 2018
Japan Federation of Bar Associations
The Japan Federation of Bar Associations prepared its “Opinion Calling for the Establishment by Law of the Right to Have Counsel Present in Interrogations” (the “Opinion”) on April 13, 2018, and submitted it to the Minister of Justice on April 17, 2018.
Summary of the Opinion
There should be a clear stipulation in the Code of Criminal Procedure that prosecutors, public prosecutor’s assistant officers, or judicial police officials, if asked by a suspect or counsel, shall ensure that counsel is present in the interrogation or on the occasion when the suspect is provided with an opportunity for explanation.
