3 Saiban-in trials
In Saiban-in trials, a panel consisting of three judges and six saiban-ins (laypersons chosen from the public for each case) (one judge and four saiban-ins, in exceptional cases) conducts deliberations to make determination on fact finding, applications of laws and regulations and sentencing. In the deliberations, determinations are made by majority opinion of the number of persons constituting the panel that must include the opinions of both the judges and the saiban-ins.
Table 2-3-2-3 shows the number of persons received or disposed by courts of first instance (including case transfers, etc.) and conclusively disposed by Saiban-in trials by type of offense. The offenses designated for Saiban-in trials are offenses punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment, or offenses that caused a victim to die due to an intentional criminal act punishable by a minimum term of imprisonment of not less than one year.
Table 2-3-2-3 Saiban-in trials: persons received/disposed by courts of first instance (by type of offense)
