Carlos Ghosn's allegation of an unfair Japanese justice system is unjustified

Why Carlos Ghosn's allegation of an unfair Japanese justice system is unjustified https://t.co/m0xjA3D3MT @ConversationUKさんから

— mozu (@mozumozumozu) February 4, 2020

High conviction rates Another issue Ghosn pointed to repeatedly in comments after his escape was the very high rate of conviction for those on trial of between 97%-99%. In the UK, the rate is consistently around 85%-87%. But such comparisons must be treated with caution. In Japan, even those who plead guilty face trial, with such a plea merely forming part of the evidence. The high rates are also attributed to prosecutors being quite risk averse and only proceeding with cases very likely to get a conviction.



In short, Ghosn’s vocal concerns about the rigged nature of the Japanese justice system against the accused may have had greater substance a decade ago. The recent changes are intended to create a more transparent, fair and accountable system.


Like all criminal justice systems in the world, the Japanese system is not infallible. However, to suggest that it is fundamentally corrupt appears unjustified.