裁判長(さいばんちょう)

裁判長(さいばんちょう) is the presiding judge who leads court proceedings. Composed of 裁判(さいばん) (trial, judgment) + 長(ちょう) (chief, head).

Functions

The 裁判長(さいばんちょう) manages the trial, maintains courtroom order, questions witnesses, and delivers the verdict. In Japan's three-judge panel system (合議制(ごうぎせい)), the 裁判長(さいばんちょう) leads the other two judges.

Usage

In court, lawyers address the judge as 裁判長(さいばんちょう) ("Your Honor"). The phrase 裁判長(さいばんちょう)、異議(いぎ)があります ("Your Honor, I object") is well-known from courtroom dramas.

Similar words

• 裁判官(さいばんかん): judge (general term for any judge)
• 判事(はんじ): judge (formal title in the court system)
• 裁判所(さいばんしょ): court, courthouse
• 検察官(けんさつかん): prosecutor
• 弁護士(べんごし): lawyer, attorney