1.
Supreme Court; highest court of law
The highest judicial authority in a country. In Japan, the Supreme Court (located in Tokyo) serves as the court of last resort and has the power of judicial review over the constitutionality of laws.
最高裁判所が判決を出した。
The Supreme Court issued a ruling.
この事件は最高裁判所まで争われた。
This case was fought all the way to the Supreme Court.
最高裁判所の裁判官は国民審査で審査される。
Supreme Court justices are reviewed through a national referendum.
Compound of 最高 (highest/supreme) + 裁判所 (court of law). Commonly abbreviated to 最高裁 in news and conversation. Japan's court system has three levels: 簡易裁判所 / 地方裁判所 (district courts), 高等裁判所 (high courts), and 最高裁判所 (Supreme Court). The Chief Justice (長官) is appointed by the Emperor on the advice of the Cabinet.