上訴 in 30 Seconds
- 上訴 (jouso) is the formal Japanese term for a legal appeal to a higher court.
- It acts as a collective noun for specific appeals like kouso (to High Court) and joukoku (to Supreme Court).
- The word is primarily used in legal, academic, and news contexts, rarely in casual speech.
- It is a 'Suru-verb' noun, meaning you can use it as 'jouso suru' to mean 'to appeal.'
The Japanese term 上訴 (じょうそ - jouso) is a cornerstone of the Japanese judicial system, representing the procedural right of a party to challenge a court's decision. At its most fundamental level, it translates to 'legal appeal.' However, in the context of Japanese law, it is an umbrella term that encompasses several specific types of appeals. To understand 上訴, one must first understand the Sanshin-sei (三審制), or the three-instance system, which allows a case to be heard up to three times across different levels of the court hierarchy. This system is designed to ensure justice, minimize judicial error, and protect the human rights of individuals by providing multiple layers of scrutiny.
- Etymological Breakdown
- The word is composed of two kanji: 上 (jou) meaning 'up' or 'above,' and 訴 (so) meaning 'to sue,' 'complain,' or 'appeal.' Together, they literally mean 'to take a legal complaint upward' to a higher authority.
- The Three Pillars of Jouso
- In practice, 上訴 is divided into three distinct categories:
- 控訴 (Kouso): An appeal from a court of first instance (District Court) to a High Court.
- 上告 (Joukoku): A final appeal from a High Court to the Supreme Court.
- 抗告 (Koukoku): An appeal against a court ruling or order that is not a final judgment.
「被告人は判決を不服として上訴した。」
— The defendant, dissatisfied with the verdict, filed an appeal.
In a broader societal sense, 上訴 signifies the resilience of the legal process. It is not merely a technicality but a safeguard against the fallibility of human judges. When a lawyer mentions 上訴, they are signaling that the legal battle is far from over. It is a word heavy with gravity, often heard in news broadcasts following high-profile criminal trials or landmark civil disputes. For a language learner, while the word itself is formal, understanding it provides a window into how Japanese society structures fairness and authority.
(District Court)
(Appealing)
Furthermore, the right to 上訴 is protected under the Japanese Constitution. It ensures that no single judge has the final word without the possibility of review. This hierarchical structure is reflected in the kanji itself—moving 'up' (上) the ladder of the judiciary. In news reports, you will often see the phrase 上訴権の放棄 (jousoken no houki), which means 'waiving the right to appeal,' usually indicating that a party has accepted the current sentence or settlement.
Using 上訴 (jouso) correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical function as a Suru-verb noun. While it is a noun, it most frequently appears in its verbal form 上訴する (jouso suru). Because it is a highly formal and technical term, its usage is almost exclusively limited to legal documents, news reporting, and academic discussions about the law. You will rarely, if ever, use this word in casual conversation unless you are discussing a specific court case.
- Grammatical Patterns
- [Party] + が + 上訴する: The [Party] appeals. (e.g., 検察側が上訴した - The prosecution appealed.)
- 上訴 + を + 棄却する (kikyaku suru): To dismiss an appeal.
- 上訴 + を + 取り下げる (torisageru): To withdraw an appeal.
「弁護団は、証拠不十分を理由に上訴を検討している。」
Translation: The defense team is considering an appeal on the grounds of insufficient evidence.
When constructing sentences, pay attention to the particles. 上訴 is the object of an action when using verbs like 'file' (提起する - teiki suru) or 'consider' (検討する - kentou suru). If you are describing the state of a case, you might say 上訴中 (jousochuu), meaning 'currently under appeal.' This suffix -chuu is very common in news headlines to indicate ongoing legal processes.
In writing, 上訴 often pairs with words like 不服 (fufuku - dissatisfaction/objection). A common phrase is 判決を不服として上訴する (to appeal, being dissatisfied with the verdict). This phrase is a set expression in legal reporting. Another important collocation is 上訴権 (jousoken), which refers to the 'right to appeal.' In human rights discussions, you might hear about the 上訴権の保障 (guarantee of the right to appeal).
The most common environment for encountering 上訴 (jouso) is the media. Japan has a high public interest in legal proceedings, especially those involving major corporations or criminal acts. Consequently, news broadcasts (ニュース番組), newspapers (新聞), and online news portals are saturated with this term during high-profile trials.
News Headline Simulation
「東京高裁、被告の上訴を棄却。一審判決を支持。」
Tokyo High Court dismisses defendant's appeal; upholds first-instance verdict.
Beyond the news, you will find 上訴 in legal dramas (リーガルドラマ) and detective novels (ミステリー小説). Shows like 'Hero' or '99.9 Criminal Lawyer' frequently use this terminology to build tension. When a character shouts, 「上訴します！」, it serves as a dramatic climax, indicating that the protagonist refuses to accept a wrongful conviction.
- Common Settings
- Courtrooms: Used by judges and lawyers during formal proceedings.
- Law Schools: In textbooks discussing the Keiji Soshou-hou (Code of Criminal Procedure).
- Corporate Legal Depts: When discussing litigation strategy.
- Human Rights Reports: Discussing access to justice.
In the digital age, you might also see it on social media during 'trending' court cases. Users might debate whether a certain celebrity or politician will 上訴. However, even in these informal spaces, the word retains its formal 'stiffness.' It’s a word that demands a certain level of seriousness from the speaker.
For learners of Japanese, the word 上訴 (jouso) presents several pitfalls, primarily related to its specificity and its similarity to other legal terms. Because the Japanese legal vocabulary is dense with kanji-heavy words that look similar, it is easy to swap one for another.
- Mistake 1: Using it for 'Attraction'
- English speakers often think of 'appeal' as 'to be attractive.' Saying 「この映画は上訴がある」 (This movie has an appeal) is nonsensical in Japanese. It sounds like the movie is filing a legal case against the audience.
- Mistake 2: Confusing the Levels
- Using 上訴 when you specifically mean an appeal to the High Court (控訴). While technically correct as a category, it can sound vague or amateurish in a professional legal context.
- Mistake 3: Kanji Errors
- Mistaking 訴 (sue) for 訟 (litigation) or 証 (evidence). 上訴 is specifically written with the 'complain/sue' radical.
Incorrect vs. Correct
❌ 彼は私の心に上訴した。 (He appealed to my heart.)
✅ 彼は私の心に訴えかけた。 (He appealed/spoke to my heart.)
Note: For emotional appeals, use 訴えかける (uttaekakeru).
Another subtle mistake is the pronunciation. Ensure the 'ou' sounds in jouso are long and clear. Shortening them to 'joso' might lead to confusion with other words (though 'joso' doesn't have a common legal meaning, it breaks the clarity of formal speech).
Understanding 上訴 (jouso) requires distinguishing it from its 'siblings' in the legal lexicon. Japanese law is very precise about which word to use depending on the stage of the appeal and the nature of the court's decision.
控訴 (Kouso)
The first level of appeal. Moving from a District Court to a High Court. This is the most common form of 'appeal' discussed in daily news.
上告 (Joukoku)
The final level of appeal. Moving to the Supreme Court. This usually involves constitutional questions or significant legal errors.
抗告 (Koukoku)
An appeal against a 'ruling' (kettei) rather than a 'judgment' (hanketsu). For example, appealing a decision on bail.
訴え (Uttae)
The general word for a lawsuit, complaint, or grievance. It is much broader and less technical than jouso.
Hierarchy of Appeals
- 1上訴 (Jouso) - The Category Name
- A控訴 (Kouso) - To High Court
- B上告 (Joukoku) - To Supreme Court
One might also encounter 再審 (saishin), which means 'retrial.' While an appeal happens within the standard hierarchy of the three-instance system, a retrial is an extraordinary procedure that happens after a judgment has already become final, usually due to new evidence. Don't confuse the two! Jouso is part of the normal flow; saishin is the 'emergency break.'
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
～を不服として
～を理由に
～に踏み切る
～の余地がある
～に委ねる
Examples by Level
これは上訴のニュースです。
This is news about an appeal.
Simple Noun + Desu.
上訴はむずかしい言葉です。
Appeal is a difficult word.
Topic marker 'wa' with an adjective.
彼は上訴しました。
He appealed.
Suru-verb in past tense.
上訴を知っていますか？
Do you know (the word) appeal?
Direct object 'wo' + shitte imasu ka.
テレビで上訴を見ました。
I saw 'appeal' on TV.
Location 'de' + object 'wo'.
上訴は「上」に行きます。
Appeal goes 'up'.
Explanation using simple kanji.
弁護士が上訴します。
The lawyer will appeal.
Subject 'ga' + Suru-verb.
上訴は大切です。
Appealing is important.
Na-adjective 'taisetsu'.
被告人は判決に不服で上訴した。
The defendant appealed because they were unhappy with the verdict.
Reason 'de' + Suru-verb.
上訴の手続きは複雑です。
The procedure for an appeal is complicated.
Noun 'no' Noun structure.
彼は上訴することを決めました。
He decided to appeal.
Verb dictionary form + koto wo kimeru.
上訴には時間がかかります。
An appeal takes time.
Time duration verb 'kakaru'.
弁護士と上訴について話しました。
I talked with the lawyer about the appeal.
Topic marker 'nitsuite'.
上訴が認められました。
The appeal was accepted/granted.
Passive voice 'mitomerareta'.
彼は上訴をあきらめなかった。
He did not give up on the appeal.
Negative past tense.
上訴の結果を待っています。
I am waiting for the result of the appeal.
Present continuous 'matte imasu'.
検察側は、無罪判決を不服として上訴した。
The prosecution appealed, objecting to the not-guilty verdict.
Quotative 'to shite' (as/on the grounds of).
上訴審では新しい証拠が提出された。
New evidence was presented in the appellate trial.
Compound noun 'Jousoshin' (appellate trial).
上訴権を放棄することはできません。
You cannot waive your right to appeal.
Noun 'Jousoken' (right to appeal).
最高裁判所への上訴を検討している。
We are considering an appeal to the Supreme Court.
Directional 'he no' + noun.
上訴が棄却され、刑が確定した。
The appeal was dismissed, and the sentence was finalized.
Passive 'kikyaku sare' + 'kakutei shita'.
彼は上訴を取り下げることにした。
He decided to withdraw the appeal.
Verb 'torisageru' (to withdraw).
上訴の期限はあと三日です。
The deadline for the appeal is in three days.
Noun 'kigen' (deadline).
日本の三審制では、二回の上訴が可能です。
In Japan's three-instance system, two appeals are possible.
Potential 'kanou desu'.
憲法違反を理由に、弁護団は上告（上訴の一種）に踏み切った。
On the grounds of a constitutional violation, the defense team decided to take the step of appealing to the Supreme Court.
Phrase 'ni fumikiru' (to take a bold step).
一審の事実誤認を主張して、上訴の手続きを行った。
Claiming an error of fact in the first instance, they carried out the appeal procedure.
Verb 'shuchou shite' (claiming/asserting).
上訴審の判決が出るまでには、かなりの年月を要する。
It takes a considerable number of years until the appellate court's verdict is issued.
Verb 'yousuru' (to require/take).
上訴によって、刑の執行が停止される場合がある。
In some cases, the execution of a sentence is suspended by an appeal.
Causal 'ni yotte' (due to/by).
被告は上訴権を完全に行使する構えだ。
The defendant is prepared to fully exercise their right to appeal.
Noun 'kamae' (posture/readiness).
上訴が受理されるかどうかは、裁判所の判断に委ねられている。
Whether the appeal will be accepted is left to the judgment of the court.
Phrase 'ni yudane rarete iru' (is left to).
検察官は上訴を断念し、一審判決が確定した。
The prosecutor abandoned the appeal, and the first-instance verdict became final.
Verb 'dannen suru' (to abandon/give up).
上訴理由書を期限内に提出しなければならない。
The statement of reasons for appeal must be submitted within the deadline.
Must 'nakereba naranai'.
上訴制度の目的は、裁判の慎重を期し、司法の公正を担保することにある。
The purpose of the appeal system is to ensure the prudence of trials and guarantee the fairness of the judiciary.
Formal 'ni aru' (lies in/consists of).
上訴審において原判決が破棄され、差し戻しとなった。
In the appellate court, the original judgment was vacated and the case was remanded.
Legal terms 'haki' (vacate) and 'sashimodoshi' (remand).
被告人の上訴権を不当に制限することは、適正手続きの原則に反する。
Unjustly restricting the defendant's right to appeal violates the principle of due process.
Phrase 'ni hansuru' (to violate/go against).
上訴の利益が認められない場合、上訴は却下される。
If the interest in appealing is not recognized, the appeal will be rejected.
Legal term 'kyakka' (rejection/dismissal).
民事訴訟法における上訴の規定を詳細に検討する必要がある。
It is necessary to examine the provisions for appeals in the Code of Civil Procedure in detail.
Formal 'kentou suru hitsuyou ga aru'.
上訴審は法律審としての性格を強めており、事実認定の変更は困難だ。
The appellate court is increasingly acting as a court of law, making it difficult to change factual findings.
Compound noun 'houritsushin' (court of law).
附帯上訴の提起により、控訴審の審判範囲が拡大した。
The filing of an incidental appeal expanded the scope of the appellate court's adjudication.
Technical term 'futai jouso' (incidental appeal).
上訴権の濫用を防ぐための制度的枠組みが議論されている。
Institutional frameworks to prevent the abuse of the right to appeal are being discussed.
Noun 'ran'you' (abuse/misuse).
本件上訴は、憲法第32条が保障する裁判を受ける権利の解釈を問うものである。
This appeal calls into question the interpretation of the right to a trial guaranteed by Article 32 of the Constitution.
Formal 'mono de aru' (is a matter of).
上訴不可分の原則に基づき、一部の被告人に対する上訴が全員に影響を及ぼした。
Based on the principle of indivisibility of appeal, the appeal against some defendants affected all of them.
Legal principle 'jouso fukabun no gensoku'.
上訴審における審理の迅速化と、充実した実質的審理の両立が課題となっている。
The challenge lies in balancing the acceleration of proceedings in appellate courts with thorough substantive hearings.
Noun 'ryouritsu' (coexistence/balancing).
飛躍上告は、一審判決から直接最高裁へ上訴する特例的な手続きである。
Leap appeal (hiyaku joukoku) is an exceptional procedure for appealing directly from a first-instance judgment to the Supreme Court.
Technical term 'hiyaku joukoku'.
上訴権の行使が訴訟遅延を目的とする場合、信義則に反するとみなされる可能性がある。
If the exercise of the right to appeal is aimed at delaying litigation, it may be deemed a violation of the principle of good faith.
Legal term 'shingisoku' (good faith).
上訴審の構造を続審制から事後審制へと転換すべきか否か、長年議論が続いている。
There has been a long-standing debate over whether the structure of appellate trials should be shifted from a trial-de-novo system to a post-trial review system.
Technical terms 'zokushinsei' vs 'jigoshinsei'.
特別上告は、憲法違反または憲法解釈の誤りを理由とする場合にのみ認められる極めて限定的な上訴である。
Special appeal (tokubetsu joukoku) is an extremely limited appeal granted only on the grounds of constitutional violations or errors in constitutional interpretation.
Adverbial 'nomi' (only).
上訴審における破棄自判は、審理の効率化を図る上で重要な役割を果たす。
The reversal and entry of judgment by the appellate court (haki jihan) plays an important role in improving the efficiency of proceedings.
Technical term 'haki jihan'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
Jouso suru is standard; Jouso wo teiki suru is more formal.
Jouso is the genus; Kouso and Joukoku are the species.
- Using it for personal requests.
- Confusing it with 'Kiso' (indictment).
- Mispronouncing it as 'Joso'.
- Using it without the 'suru' when a verb is needed.
- Thinking it only applies to the Supreme Court.
Tips
Look at the 'Up'
The 'Jo' (上) tells you the case is moving up to a higher authority.
Watch News
The best way to hear 'Jouso' is during the 7 PM or 9 PM national news.
Be Specific
If you know it's the High Court, use 'Kouso' instead of 'Jouso' to sound more natural.
Suru-Verb
Remember it's a noun that becomes a verb with 'suru'.
Legal Writing
In essays, use 'Jouso' when discussing the system as a whole.
Long Vowels
Don't confuse 'Jouso' with 'Joso' (weeding). Keep the vowels long.
Three Strikes
Associate 'Jouso' with the number 3 (Sanshin-sei).
Fufuku
Always remember the word 'Fufuku' (dissatisfaction) often precedes 'Jouso'.
Justice Up
Jouso = Justice Up. Seeking justice at a higher level.
No Romance
Never use 'Jouso' to say someone is attractive!
Memorize It
Word Origin
Cultural Context
The Saiban-in system affects the first trial, making '上訴' to professional judges even more significant.
The Japanese 3-tier court system.
Unlike the US, Japanese prosecutors can appeal a 'not guilty' verdict.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"あの有名な裁判、上訴されると思いますか？"
"上訴権を放棄した理由は何でしょうか？"
"日本の三審制についてどう思いますか？"
"上訴審で逆転判決が出ることは珍しいですか？"
"上訴の手続きにはどのくらい時間がかかりますか？"
Journal Prompts
If you were a lawyer, in what situation would you recommend a 'jouso'?
Write about a news story you saw where someone decided to 'jouso'.
Do you think the right to 'jouso' is the most important part of a trial?
Describe the 'Sanshin-sei' system using the word 'jouso'.
Imagine you are a judge; how do you feel when your decision is 'jouso'-ed?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsJouso is the general term for all appeals. Kouso is specifically the first appeal from a District Court to a High Court.
No, Jouso is strictly legal. For emotional appeals, use 'uttae' or 'miryoku'.
It is common in news and law, but not in everyday casual conversation.
You can say 'jouso suru' or more formally 'jouso wo teiki suru'.
It is called 'jouso kikyaku', and the previous court's decision usually stands.
Either the defendant or the prosecution (in Japan) can file a Jouso.
Yes, it is used in both criminal and civil legal contexts.
It is the 'right to appeal' guaranteed by law.
No, the first Jouso (Kouso) goes to the High Court. Only the second Jouso (Joukoku) goes to the Supreme Court.
Yes, it is typically considered an N1 level vocabulary word due to its technical nature.
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Summary
上訴 is an essential high-level term for anyone following Japanese legal news or literature. It represents the 'three-instance system' (Sanshin-sei) and signifies the right to have a case reviewed by a higher authority to ensure justice and legal accuracy.
- 上訴 (jouso) is the formal Japanese term for a legal appeal to a higher court.
- It acts as a collective noun for specific appeals like kouso (to High Court) and joukoku (to Supreme Court).
- The word is primarily used in legal, academic, and news contexts, rarely in casual speech.
- It is a 'Suru-verb' noun, meaning you can use it as 'jouso suru' to mean 'to appeal.'
Look at the 'Up'
The 'Jo' (上) tells you the case is moving up to a higher authority.
Watch News
The best way to hear 'Jouso' is during the 7 PM or 9 PM national news.
Be Specific
If you know it's the High Court, use 'Kouso' instead of 'Jouso' to sound more natural.
Suru-Verb
Remember it's a noun that becomes a verb with 'suru'.
Example
判決に上訴します。
Related Content
More Law words
告訴
A1A formal criminal complaint or legal accusation filed by a victim to the police or a prosecutor. It specifically refers to the victim's request for the offender to be punished under criminal law.
協定
A1A formal agreement or arrangement reached between two or more parties, often regarding mutual cooperation or rules. It is typically used in legal, political, or business contexts to establish standards or protocols.
恩赦
A1A formal act by a government or head of state to pardon people convicted of political or criminal offenses. It results in the reduction of sentences or the restoration of legal rights, usually granted during significant national events.
可決
A1The official approval of a proposal, bill, or motion by a voting body or committee. It indicates that a formal decision has been made to accept and pass a specific suggestion after a deliberation process.
逮捕
A1The legal act of taking someone into custody by the police or authorities due to a suspected crime. It specifically refers to the restriction of physical freedom under law rather than just physical catching.
放火
A1The act of intentionally setting fire to a building, property, or forest. In Japanese society and law, it is regarded as a very serious criminal offense.
暴行
A1Bōkō refers to the act of using physical force or violence against a person. It is often used in legal contexts to describe assault or physical battery, implying a direct and harmful physical encounter.
保釈
A1Bail; the temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, usually on the condition that a sum of money is paid to the court as a guarantee of their appearance. It specifically refers to the legal process of being freed from detention before a final judgment is made.
背任
A1A legal and business term referring to the act of a person in a position of trust acting against their duties to benefit themselves or a third party. This breach of trust results in financial or reputational damage to the employer or principal.
賄賂
A1A bribe is money, a gift, or a favor given to someone in a position of power to influence their actions or decisions dishonestly. It is almost always used in the context of illegal or unethical activities involving officials or employees.
