The Shizuoka District Court held a public forum on March 14, 2026, at its Shizuoka branch, bringing together individuals who have served as lay judges (saibanin) and legal professionals for an exchange of opinions.
The event, designed to promote understanding of the citizen participation in Japan’s judicial system, featured a discussion between former lay judges and members of the legal profession, with participation open to the general public. The Shizuoka District Court, along with its branches in Numazu and Hamamatsu, are among the courts in Shizuoka Prefecture currently conducting lay judge trials, according to court records.
The lay judge system, introduced in Japan in 2009, allows citizens to participate in serious criminal trials alongside professional judges. The Shizuoka District Court’s main branch, the Numazu branch, and the Hamamatsu branch are the locations within the prefecture where these trials are held. The court provides information tailored to residents of central, eastern, and western Shizuoka Prefecture, respectively, through its branch locations.
Details regarding upcoming lay judge trial dates are available through each court branch. The Shizuoka District Court’s website offers access information, including directions and parking details, noting limited parking availability and encouraging the use of public transportation. The court also provides information regarding childcare services available in Shizuoka City.
The Shizuoka District Court also hosts outreach events and offers traveling lectures to educate the public about the lay judge system. These initiatives aim to increase public awareness and encourage citizen involvement in the judicial process.
