When a crime has been committed, usually the police undertake an investigation, and all cases are referred to the public prosecutor. The prosecutor then undertakes necessary investigations, such as questioning of the suspects and witnesses, evaluation of collected evidence, and makes the decision on whether or not to prosecute. Further, when a case is brought to trial, the prosecutor examines witnesses, makes a closing statement, and recommends a sentence to ensure an appropriate punishment.
In order to carry out investigations and trials, cooperation from the victims by responding to the prosecutor’s interviews and/or making testimony in trial is essential. Through such cooperation, the truth will be revealed to realize the appropriate level of punishment that meets the severity of the offense committed.
At the same time, it is not uncommon for the victims who are suffering from the crime to be in need of appropriate support. The Public Prosecutors Offices endeavor to protect and support victims by listening to their needs and/or notifying them of the results of disposition of the case.
This pamphlet is a simple-to-understand explanation of how the Public Prosecutors Office protects and supports the victims of crime. We hope that crime victims will find this pamphlet useful.
Additionally, if you want to know more about the victim protection and support services offered by the Public Prosecutors Office, please use the Victim Support Hotline listed at the end of this pamphlet and inquire to the Victim Support Officers or staff of the Public Prosecutors Office.
If you have any requests or questions concerning investigations and trials, please consult with the public prosecutors at the nearest Public Prosecutors Office.
1. The Public Prosecutors Office and the Course of Criminal Proceedings
- (1) Public prosecutors offices and public prosecutors
- (2) Criminal investigations
- (3) Disposition of cases
- (4) Trial
- (5) Enforcement of the Court Decision
2. General Victim Support Services
3. Victim Support During the Investigation Stage
- (1) Reports made by victims to the police, complaint and accusation
- (2) Criminal investigation
- (3) Disposition of the cases (the decision to prosecute or not)
- (4) Inspection of Non-prosecution case files
4. Victim Support During Trials
- (1) Protection of crime victim’s information
- (2) Examination of witnesses
- (3) Attending trials
- (4) Delivery of opening statement documents
- (5) Inspection and photocopying of trial case records
- (6) Expression of victim’s opinion
- (7) Victim participation system
- (8) State-appointed attorneys for victim participants
- (9) Settlement in criminal proceedings
- (10) Restitution Order
5. Victim Support Related to Juvenile Hearings
- (1) Inspection and photocopying of juvenile offense case records
- (2) Hearing of victim’s opinion
- (3) Victim’s attendance at the juvenile hearing
- (4) Explanation of the circumstance of the hearing to the victim
- (5) Hearing Results Notification Scheme
- (6) Victim Notification Scheme (after the juvenile proceedings)
6. Victims Support During the Hearing Under the Law for the Medical Monitoring of the Mentally Incompetent and Others
7 . Procedures After Trial
- (1) Notification of information regarding the offender’s treatment in prison and release from the prison
- (2) Returning evidence
- (3) Attending the site of destruction of evidence
- (4) Inspection of records of finalized case
- (5) Victim’s opinions during the hearing for paroles
- (6) Conveyance of feelings during probationary supervision
8. Other Forms of Victim Support
- (1) Procedure for payment based on the recovery of the property of crime victims
- (2) Civil actions
- (3) Priority of moving into public housing
- (4) Protection for victims of human trafficking
