Criminal Affairs Bureau

The Criminal Affairs Bureau is responsible for the overall command and supervision of the public prosecutors offices as regards the exercise of prosecutorial power as well as the work of planning and enforcing measures to improve the structure and administration of public prosecutors offices, the planning and drafting of criminal legislation, and the provision of international mutual assistance for criminal investigations and the extradition of criminals and fugitives.

Direction and Supervision Regarding the Exercise of Prosecutorial Power

With regard to the exercise of prosecutorial power, the Minister of Justice may direct and supervise the public prosecutors in a general manner, but the Minister may direct only the Prosecutor General, for the handling of individual criminal cases.

Plans to strengthen the organization and administration of public prosecutors offices, and implementation of the plans

In order that prosecutorial activities may be carried out effectively and appropriately in keeping with social changes, it is necessary to improve the whole operation of prosecutorial work and thereby reinforce prosecutorial functions. For that purpose, it is essential to improve the organization of the prosecutors' offices, establishing various work regulations and ,for example, using IT technology in prosecutorial work (For prosecutorial activities, please see "Public Prosecutors Offices".)

International mutual legal assistance and extradition

As international cooperation in the field of criminal justice, the Ministry of Justice renders international mutual legal assistance, providing evidence for criminal investigations or prosecutions to requesting foreign countries. The Ministry of Justice, in return, requests and receives evidence for use in criminal cases in Japan. Extradition of fugitives to foreign countries and requesting the extradition of fugitives to Japan are also important duties of the Ministry of Justice.

For the Victims of Crime