In response to the problem that all the case records related to the juveniles arrested in the Kobe serial murder case that occurred 25 years ago, etc. We decided to ask experts for their opinions and verify them.
In general juvenile cases, it is stipulated that case records of investigations and trials, as well as investigative records related to the juvenile's upbringing, etc., should be kept until the juvenile reaches the age of 26. If it is determined that "special preservation" is necessary due to a case, etc., we instruct courts nationwide to preserve it permanently.
However, in 1997, all records were discarded, such as the serial killing of children in Kobe City in 1997, and the 2004 incident in which a sixth-grade girl was stabbed to death by a classmate at an elementary school in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture. became clear one after another.
The Supreme Court said, ``It was found that a considerable amount of things that should have been specially preserved were disposed of because they were not operated in accordance with regulations and notifications.'' Whether the response and operation so far were appropriate , decided to verify the opinions of external experts.
Specifically, we will evaluate the method of selecting candidates for special preservation and whether the court as a whole has sufficient awareness of preservation, and will consider future responses.
Shinya Onodera, Chief of the General Affairs Bureau of the Supreme Court, commented, ``We take opinions and criticism seriously and would like to ensure the proper operation of the management of case records.''