As the lay judge law goes into effect on May 21, another important judiciary reform goes into effect. Under a law revision, committees for the inquest of prosecution, in which ordinary citizens participate, will have more sway than before over decisions made by public prosecutors.
The inquest of prosecution was introduced in 1948 and there are now 201 committees. Under the law revision, they will be integrated into 165 committees, including 14 new committees in nine cities where crime is rampant.
Eleven people are selected for each committee from the electoral roll on a random basis. If public prosecutors decide not to indict particular suspects, the committee assesses the decision using the investigation evidence from the case. In principle, they act upon requests from crime victims, their family members or those who have filed criminal accusations or complaints against suspects. If six or more of the committee members concur, the committee states its opinion that the non-indictment is inappropriate or that an indictment must be made. Public prosecutors then must reinvestigate.