Panel may consider restricting evidence use in civil trials in Japan

Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi speaks during a news conference at the Justice Ministry on Friday. | JIJI

JIJI

Sep 4, 2026

Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi said Friday he will ask an advisory panel to consider a law revision barring the use of evidence submitted in civil trials for purposes not directly related to court proceedings.

Hiraguchi told a news conference that he will ask the Legislative Council, which advises the justice minister, at its meeting on Sept. 14 to consider the change to the Code of Civil Procedure.

The request will come after video evidence submitted by the government in damages lawsuits against the state involving improper interrogations by prosecutors was played in court and broadcast by television and other media outlets. The proposed law revision may restrict the public release of such videos.

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