再審
再審 في 30 ثانية
- 再審 (Saishin) is the formal Japanese term for a 'retrial,' used specifically when a finalized court case is reopened due to potential errors or new evidence.
- It is an extraordinary legal remedy, distinct from standard appeals (kouso/joukoku), and is considered the 'last hope' for those claiming wrongful conviction (enzai).
- The word is composed of 'Sai' (again) and 'Shin' (examine), and it is primarily found in news, legal documents, and serious courtroom dramas.
- To secure a retrial in Japan, one must meet very strict legal requirements, making it a rare and significant event in the judicial system.
The term 再審 (Saishin) is a specialized legal noun in Japanese that translates to 'retrial' or 're-examination of a case.' At its core, it represents the extraordinary legal procedure where a court reviews a final and binding judgment. This is not a standard appeal; it is a 're-opening' of a door that was previously thought to be permanently locked. In the Japanese legal system, the principle of res judicata (the matter has been judged) usually prevents cases from being heard twice to ensure legal stability. However, 再審 exists as a safety valve for justice, primarily used when new, clear evidence surfaces that could prove the innocence of a convicted person or when it is discovered that evidence in the original trial was forged or tampered with.
- Etymology
- Composed of '再' (sai - again/repeat) and '審' (shin - examine/judge), literally meaning 'to judge again.'
- Legal Status
- An extraordinary remedy (非常救済手続) used after all regular appeals are exhausted.
- Burden of Proof
- The petitioner must provide 'clear evidence' (明白な証拠) that warrants a change in the verdict.
「弁護団は新証拠を提出し、裁判所に再審を請求した。」
— The defense team submitted new evidence and petitioned the court for a retrial.
To understand 再審, one must distinguish it from 控訴 (kouso - first appeal) and 上告 (joukoku - final appeal). While those occur within the standard hierarchy of the court system before a sentence is finalized, 再審 occurs after the sentence is finalized. It is often the last hope for those claiming a 'false charge' (冤罪 - enzai). Because the Japanese judiciary values the stability of final judgments, the hurdle for granting a 再審 is notoriously high, often taking decades of petitioning before a court agrees to re-open a case. This process is frequently highlighted in news regarding long-standing death penalty cases or historical crimes where DNA evidence has recently become available.
「再審の扉を開くのは容易ではない。」
— Opening the door to a retrial is no easy feat.
Historically, several high-profile cases in Japan, such as the Menda Case or the more recent Hakamada Case, have brought the concept of 再審 into the public eye. These cases often involve individuals who spent decades in prison before being exonerated. Consequently, the word carries a heavy emotional and social weight, symbolizing the struggle against judicial error and the pursuit of absolute truth over procedural finality. It is a term that resonates with human rights advocates and legal scholars alike.
- Scope
- Applicable to both criminal (刑事) and civil (民事) cases, though criminal retrials are more common in public discourse.
- Petitioners
- Can be requested by the convicted, their family, or even the prosecutor.
「検察側も再審開始の決定に異議を唱えなかった。」
— Even the prosecution did not object to the decision to start a retrial.
「彼は再審で無罪を勝ち取った。」
— He won a 'not guilty' verdict in the retrial.
Using 再審 (Saishin) correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical function as a Suru-noun (though it is most commonly used as a simple noun with specific verbs). In formal legal writing and news reporting, you will see it paired with verbs that describe the stages of the legal process. The most common pairings include 請求する (seikyuu suru - to petition/request), 開始する (kaishi suru - to commence), and 認める (mitomeru - to grant/allow).
- Verb Pairings
- 再審を請求する (To request a retrial)
- 再審が行われる (A retrial is held)
- 再審が決定する (A retrial is decided upon)
When discussing the act of a court deciding to re-open a case, the phrase 再審開始決定 (saishin kaishi kettei) is used. If you are describing the result of that trial, you would say 再審で無罪判決が出た (A not-guilty verdict was issued in the retrial). It is important to note that 再審 is almost never used in casual settings like 'I want a retrial on this video game match.' For that, you would use 再試合 (saishiai - rematch) or やり直し (yarinaoshi - do-over).
「新証拠の発見により、再審の可能性が高まった。」
— The discovery of new evidence has increased the possibility of a retrial.
In terms of register, 再審 is extremely formal. It appears in newspapers (新聞), legal documents (法律文書), and television news (ニュース番組). If you are writing a story or a screenplay involving a legal drama, this word is indispensable. You might also encounter it in historical contexts when discussing the 'Post-war Retrials' or specific human rights movements. Because it implies a failure in the initial judicial process, using the word often carries a tone of gravity and systemic critique.
To use it in a sentence describing the struggle of a defendant, you might say: 「彼は30年間、再審を求め続けている」 (He has been seeking a retrial for 30 years). Here, the particle 'を' marks the object of his search. If the court is the subject, you would say: 「裁判所は再審の請求を棄却した」 (The court dismissed the petition for a retrial). This shows the two sides of the legal battle: the seikyuu (request) and the kikyaku (dismissal) or kaishi (commencement).
The most common place to encounter 再審 (Saishin) is in the mass media. In Japan, when a high-profile case reaches the stage of a retrial, it is front-page news. You will hear news anchors say, 「本日、最高裁判所は再審の開始を決定しました」 (Today, the Supreme Court decided to start a retrial). This word is a staple of 'Social News' (社会ニュース) sections.
「ニュース:袴田事件の再審公判が始まる。」
— News: The retrial public hearing for the Hakamada case begins.
Another frequent venue is Legal Dramas and Documentaries. Japan has a popular genre of 'Courtroom Dramas' (法廷ドラマ) where the protagonist lawyer often fights to overturn a wrongful conviction. In these shows, the climax often revolves around finding the 'smoking gun' evidence required to satisfy the strict requirements of 再審. Characters will passionately shout about the 'Saishin-seikyuu' (petition for retrial) as their last line of defense against an unjust system.
- Media Contexts
- NHK News reports on judicial rulings.
- Documentaries about 'Enzai' (false accusations).
- Legal thrillers like 'Hero' or '99.9 Criminal Lawyer'.
You might also hear it in Academic or Political Discussions. When experts discuss judicial reform, the 'Saishin-hou' (Retrial Law) is a frequent topic of debate. Critics argue that the current laws make it too difficult for the innocent to get a retrial, leading to calls for 'Saishin-hou kaisei' (reform of the retrial law). In these contexts, the word is used to discuss the balance between legal finality and the protection of human rights.
The most frequent mistake learners make with 再審 (Saishin) is confusing it with other stages of the legal appeal process. Because English often uses 'appeal' as a broad term, students might use 再審 when they actually mean 控訴 (kouso) or 上告 (joukoku). Remember: 再審 only happens after the final verdict (確定判決) has been reached. If the case is still moving up the standard court hierarchy, it is not a 再審.
- Mistake 1: Confusing with standard appeals
- Incorrect: 'I don't like the verdict, I will ask for Saishin.' (If it's the first trial, you ask for Kouso).
- Mistake 2: Homophone confusion
- Incorrect: 'Saishin no iPhone' (using the kanji 再審 instead of 最新).
Another mistake is using 再審 for non-legal 're-dos.' If you fail a test and take it again, that is a 再試験 (saishiken) or 追試 (tsuishi), not a 再審. If a referee in a sports match reviews a play, that is a ビデオ判定 (video hantei) or 審議 (shingi). Using 再審 in these contexts sounds overly dramatic, as if you are bringing the person to a formal court of law.
「❌ テストの点数が悪かったので、先生に再審をお願いした。」
— Incorrect: I asked the teacher for a 'retrial' because my test score was bad.
Grammatically, some learners forget that 再審 is a noun that often requires the particle 'を' before a verb. While you can say 再審する, it is much more common to say 再審を行う (to conduct a retrial) or 再審を請求する (to petition for a retrial). Using it as a simple verb without context can sometimes sound slightly unnatural in formal legal writing.
To truly master 再審 (Saishin), you must understand how it sits alongside similar legal and procedural terms. The most closely related word is 再考 (saikou), which means 'reconsideration.' However, 再考 is used for thoughts, plans, or decisions in a general sense, whereas 再審 is strictly for judicial trials.
- 再考 (Saikou)
- To think again about a decision. (e.g., 'Please reconsider your resignation.')
- やり直し (Yarinaoshi)
- A casual word for 'doing something over.' (e.g., 'Start the drawing over.')
- 審理 (Shinri)
- The actual 'trial proceedings' or 'hearing.' A retrial consists of new shinri.
Another important distinction is with 控訴 (kouso) and 上告 (joukoku). These are the two levels of appeal in Japan. Kouso is the appeal from District Court to High Court. Joukoku is the appeal from High Court to the Supreme Court. 再審 is the 'emergency exit' used only when these standard paths have failed and new evidence appears. There is also 再審査 (saishinsa), which means 're-inspection' or 're-screening,' often used in administrative contexts like insurance claims or visa applications.
「再審は、確定した判決に対する不服申し立てである。」
— A retrial is a complaint against a finalized judgment.
Lastly, consider 更生 (kousei), which means 'rehabilitation.' While 再審 seeks to fix a legal error, 更生 seeks to help a person return to society. They are often discussed in the same legal circles but represent different goals of the justice system. Understanding these nuances prevents you from sounding like a dictionary and helps you sound like a nuanced speaker of Japanese.
How Formal Is It?
مستوى الصعوبة
قواعد يجب معرفتها
~に基づき (Based on...)
~を巡って (Concerning...)
~という (Called...)
~における (In/At...)
~得ない (Cannot possibly...)
أمثلة حسب المستوى
これは再審のニュースです。
This is news about a retrial.
Noun + の + Noun
裁判所が再審を決めました。
The court decided on a retrial.
Object marker 'を' with verb '決めました'
再審はとても難しいです。
A retrial is very difficult.
Topic marker 'は' + adjective
彼は再審を待っています。
He is waiting for a retrial.
Present continuous '~ています'
新しい証拠で再審になります。
It will be a retrial because of new evidence.
Reason marker 'で'
再審はまた裁判をすることです。
A retrial means doing a trial again.
Definition structure 'AはBことです'
テレビで再審を見ました。
I saw 'retrial' on TV.
Location marker 'で'
再審のおかげで助かりました。
Thanks to the retrial, he was saved.
'~のおかげで' (thanks to)
弁護士が再審を請求しました。
The lawyer petitioned for a retrial.
Subject marker 'が' + formal verb '請求する'
再審で無罪になるかもしれません。
He might be found innocent in the retrial.
Probability 'かもしれません'
古い事件の再審が始まります。
The retrial of an old case is starting.
Intransitive verb '始まる'
再審のニュースを聞いて驚きました。
I was surprised to hear the news of the retrial.
Te-form for reason '聞いて'
再審には長い時間がかかります。
A retrial takes a long time.
Time duration '時間がかかる'
裁判所は再審を認めませんでした。
The court did not grant the retrial.
Negative formal '認めませんでした'
再審を求める人々が集まりました。
People seeking a retrial gathered.
Relative clause '再審を求める' modifying '人々'
再審の結果、彼は自由になりました。
As a result of the retrial, he became free.
'~の結果' (as a result of)
新証拠が見つかり、再審の扉が開かれた。
New evidence was found, and the door to a retrial was opened.
Passive voice '開かれた'
再審請求が受理されるのは稀なケースだ。
It is a rare case for a retrial petition to be accepted.
Nominalizer 'の' + '稀なケース'
冤罪を晴らすために再審を戦う。
To clear a false charge, we fight for a retrial.
'~ために' (in order to)
再審開始の決定に、家族は涙を流した。
The family shed tears at the decision to start a retrial.
Compound noun '再審開始'
検察側は再審に強く反対している。
The prosecution is strongly opposing the retrial.
Continuous state '反対している'
再審公判では、DNA鑑定が注目された。
In the retrial public hearing, DNA testing was the focus.
Passive voice '注目された'
裁判のやり直し、つまり再審が行われる。
A trial do-over, in other words, a retrial will be held.
'つまり' (in other words)
彼は再審で自らの無実を証明した。
He proved his own innocence in the retrial.
Reflexive pronoun '自らの'
確定判決を覆すには、再審という高い壁がある。
To overturn a final judgment, there is the high wall of a retrial.
'~という' (called/known as)
裁判所は、再審の要件を満たしていないと判断した。
The court judged that the requirements for a retrial were not met.
Quotative 'と' + '判断した'
死刑囚が再審を求める権利は保障されている。
The right of a death row inmate to seek a retrial is guaranteed.
Passive voice '保障されている'
再審制度の不備が、多くの冤罪を生んでいる。
Flaws in the retrial system are creating many false accusations.
Subject marker 'が' + '生んでいる'
弁護団は再審開始を求めて即時抗告した。
The defense team filed an immediate appeal seeking the start of a retrial.
Te-form for sequence/purpose
再審の過程で、警察の証拠捏造が発覚した。
In the process of the retrial, police evidence fabrication was discovered.
'~の過程で' (in the process of)
科学技術の進歩が再審の可能性を広げている。
Advances in science and technology are expanding the possibilities for retrials.
Transitive verb '広げている'
再審は司法の信頼を取り戻すための最後の手段だ。
A retrial is the last resort to restore trust in the judiciary.
'最後の手段' (last resort)
刑事訴訟法第435条に基づき、再審を申し立てる。
Based on Article 435 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, I move for a retrial.
'~に基づき' (based on)
再審開始決定が確定すれば、公判が再開される。
If the decision to start a retrial becomes final, the public trial will resume.
Conditional 'れば'
白鳥決定は、再審請求における証拠の明白性を定義した。
The Shiratori Decision defined the clarity of evidence in retrial petitions.
'~における' (in/at)
再審は、法的安定性と具体的正義の相克の場である。
A retrial is a place of conflict between legal stability and concrete justice.
Abstract noun '相克' (conflict)
検察官による抗告が、再審開始を著しく遅らせている。
Appeals by prosecutors are significantly delaying the start of retrials.
Adverb '著しく' (significantly)
再審の扉をこじ開けるには、世論の支持も不可欠だ。
To pry open the door to a retrial, public support is also indispensable.
Metaphorical verb 'こじ開ける'
民事再審においては、判決の基礎となった証拠の虚偽が問われる。
In civil retrials, the falsity of evidence that formed the basis of the judgment is questioned.
Passive voice '問われる'
再審無罪を勝ち取った後も、国家賠償請求が続くことが多い。
Even after winning a retrial acquittal, state compensation claims often follow.
'~た後も' (even after)
再審制度の構造的欠陥を是正すべく、法改正の機運が高まっている。
To rectify the structural defects of the retrial system, momentum for legal reform is growing.
'~すべく' (in order to - formal/literary)
確定判決の既判力は絶対的なものではなく、再審によってのみ打破され得る。
The res judicata of a final judgment is not absolute and can only be broken by a retrial.
Potential form '打破され得る'
再審請求審における証拠調べの範囲が、実務上の争点となっている。
The scope of evidence examination in retrial petition hearings has become a practical point of contention.
Compound noun '証拠調べ'
死後再審は、故人の名誉回復という極めて倫理的な側面を有する。
Posthumous retrials have an extremely ethical aspect of restoring the deceased's honor.
Formal verb 'を有する' (to possess)
再審開始決定に対する検察官の不服申し立て権を制限すべきとの声が根強い。
There are persistent calls that the prosecutor's right to appeal against a retrial commencement decision should be restricted.
Quotative 'との' + '声'
司法の無謬性を神聖視する風潮が、再審のハードルを不当に高くしている。
The tendency to treat judicial infallibility as sacred is making the hurdle for retrials unreasonably high.
Causative-like '高くしている'
再審は、国家権力による人権侵害を是正する最後の砦である。
A retrial is the last fortress to rectify human rights violations by state power.
Metaphor '最後の砦'
証拠の新規性と明白性の解釈を巡り、最高裁の判例は変遷を遂げてきた。
Regarding the interpretation of the novelty and clarity of evidence, Supreme Court precedents have undergone transitions.
'~を巡り' (concerning/surrounding)
المرادفات
الأضداد
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
يُخلط عادةً مع
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
سهل الخلط
أنماط الجُمل
كيفية الاستخدام
Saishin is an 'extraordinary' procedure, meaning it's not a right but a possibility under specific conditions.
Carries a connotation of 'correcting a past wrong.'
- Using 'Saishin' for a sports rematch.
- Confusing 'Saishin' (retrial) with 'Saishin' (latest).
- Using 'Saishin' instead of 'Kouso' for a standard appeal.
- Forgetting the 'Suru' when using it as a verb.
- Misspelling the kanji '審' as '番'.
نصائح
Kanji Logic
Focus on 'Sai' (again) to remember it's a repeat process. 'Shin' is the same as in 'Shinsa' (screening).
Legal Setting
Always associate this word with a courtroom or a lawyer. It never applies to casual situations.
News Keywords
When you hear 'Saishin,' listen for 'Enzai' (false charge) and 'Muzai' (innocent) nearby.
Formal Use
Use the full phrase '再審請求' (petition for retrial) in essays for a more academic feel.
Social Impact
Understand that 'Saishin' is a very emotional topic in Japan due to famous wrongful conviction cases.
Particle Choice
Use 'を' for the object of the request and 'で' for the location/method (再審で).
Kanji Recognition
Don't confuse '再審' with '最新'. Look at the second kanji carefully: 審 vs 新.
Tone
Keep your voice serious when using this word, as it implies a grave legal matter.
Shin-pan
Connect 'Shin' to 'Shin-pan' (umpire). An umpire judging the play AGAIN.
Legal Codes
If you are advanced, learn '再審開始決定' (decision to start retrial) as a set phrase.
احفظها
أصل الكلمة
Sino-Japanese (Kango) origin, used since the modernization of the Japanese legal system in the Meiji era.
السياق الثقافي
Ongoing debates about the 'Saishin-hou' (Retrial Law) focus on making the process more transparent.
Often depicted in 'Enzai' (false charge) themed dramas as a heroic struggle.
The 'Big Four' retrial cases of the 1980s changed how Japan views the death penalty.
تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية
سياقات واقعية
بدايات محادثة
"最近、あの事件の再審が決まったね。"
"日本の再審制度についてどう思う?"
"再審で無罪になるのは、本当に大変なことだよね。"
"ドラマで再審のシーンを見たことある?"
"もし自分が冤罪だったら、再審を請求する?"
مواضيع للكتابة اليومية
再審という言葉から、どのような正義を連想しますか?
日本の司法制度における再審の難しさについて書きなさい。
もしあなたが弁護士なら、どのように再審を勝ち取りますか?
冤罪被害者が再審を待つ30年間、どのような気持ちだと思いますか?
ニュースで見た再審のニュースについて感想を書きなさい。
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلة控訴は判決が確定する前に行う通常の不服申し立てですが、再審は判決が確定した後に行う特別な手続きです。
有罪判決を受けた本人、その法定代理人、親族、または検察官が請求できます。
非常に低いです。新証拠が「明白」である必要があるため、日本の司法では「開かずの扉」と呼ばれます。
はい、民事訴訟法に基づき、判決の基礎となった証拠が偽造だった場合などに認められます。
これまでの刑罰が無効になり、国家に対して刑事補償金を請求することができます。
本人が亡くなった後に、遺族などが名誉回復のために請求する再審のことです。
刑事再審には期限はありませんが、民事再審には一定の期間制限があります。
DNA鑑定の結果や、目撃者の新しい証言、隠されていた捜査資料などが該当します。
理論上は可能ですが、同じ理由での請求は棄却される可能性が高いです。
再審開始決定と同時に刑の執行停止が認められれば、釈放されることがあります。
اختبر نفسك 75 أسئلة
/ 75 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
再審 (Saishin) is a high-level legal term for 'retrial.' It represents the rare and difficult process of reopening a closed case to correct a miscarriage of justice, usually requiring 'new and clear' evidence to overturn a final verdict.
- 再審 (Saishin) is the formal Japanese term for a 'retrial,' used specifically when a finalized court case is reopened due to potential errors or new evidence.
- It is an extraordinary legal remedy, distinct from standard appeals (kouso/joukoku), and is considered the 'last hope' for those claiming wrongful conviction (enzai).
- The word is composed of 'Sai' (again) and 'Shin' (examine), and it is primarily found in news, legal documents, and serious courtroom dramas.
- To secure a retrial in Japan, one must meet very strict legal requirements, making it a rare and significant event in the judicial system.
Kanji Logic
Focus on 'Sai' (again) to remember it's a repeat process. 'Shin' is the same as in 'Shinsa' (screening).
Legal Setting
Always associate this word with a courtroom or a lawyer. It never applies to casual situations.
News Keywords
When you hear 'Saishin,' listen for 'Enzai' (false charge) and 'Muzai' (innocent) nearby.
Formal Use
Use the full phrase '再審請求' (petition for retrial) in essays for a more academic feel.
مثال
再審請求をします。
محتوى ذو صلة
مزيد من كلمات Law
告訴
A1شكوى جنائية رسمية يقدمها الضحية. وتطالب بمعاقبة الجاني.
協定
A1اتفاق رسمي أو ترتيب يتم التوصل إليه بين طرفين أو أكثر، غالباً في سياقات سياسية أو تجارية.
恩赦
A1فعل رسمي من قبل الحكومة للعفو عن الأشخاص المدانين.
上訴
A1المصطلح القانوني الذي يشير إلى عملية استئناف قرار محكمة أدنى أمام محكمة أعلى. وهو مصطلح عام يشمل أنواعاً مختلفة من الطعون.
可決
A1الموافقة الرسمية على اقتراح أو مشروع قانون من قبل هيئة تصويت. مثال: 'تمت الموافقة على الميزانية في المجلس.'
逮捕
A1العمل القانوني المتمثل في احتجاز شخص ما من قبل الشرطة بسبب جريمة مشتبه بها.
放火
A1الحرق العمد؛ فعل إشعال النار عمداً في مبنى أو ممتلكات. في القانون الياباني، تُعتبر جريمة جنائية خطيرة للغاية.
暴行
A1عمل من أعمال العنف الجسدي أو الاعتداء على شخص. يستخدم في السياقات القانونية والإخبارية.
保釈
A1الإفراج بكفالة هو الإطلاق المؤقت لسراح المتهم بانتظار المحاكمة. الكلمة اليابانية هي '保釈'.
背任
A1خيانة الأمانة. التصرف ضد الواجبات لتحقيق مكاسب شخصية.