The Japanese Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in Japan, responsible for overseeing the country’s legal system and ensuring the constitutionality of laws and governmental actions. Established under the post-World War II constitution in 1947, it functions as the final court of appeal in civil and criminal cases. The Supreme Court has the power to interpret laws and the constitution, resolve disputes involving the interpretation of laws, and decide on constitutional challenges against acts of the legislature or executive. Composed of a Chief Justice and 14 associate justices, the court plays a critical role in upholding the rule of law and protecting individual rights and freedoms within the framework of Japanese law. Its decisions are binding on all lower courts in the nation.
The Japanese Supreme Court acquitted former Tokyo Electric Power Company executives Ichiro Takekuro and Sakae Muto of criminal responsibility for the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. The 2011 crisis was triggered…