Translation guide
A court where a case is first heard and decided, as opposed to an appellate court. In Japanese legal contexts, this is typically expressed with specific terms depending on the court level.
The court where a trial initially takes place, regardless of the specific level.
The most direct and common translation for 'court of first instance'. It literally means 'first trial court'.
この事件は第一審裁判所で審理された。
This case was tried in a court of first instance.
In Japan, the court of first instance depends on the nature and severity of the case. These are the actual court names.
第一審裁判所 is a neutral term for any court of first instance. 原審 specifically refers to the court whose decision is being appealed, emphasizing its role in the appellate process.
第一審裁判所は地方裁判所だった。
The court of first instance was the District Court.
原審は証拠を誤って評価した。
The court of first instance (whose decision is under appeal) incorrectly evaluated the evidence.
When translating 'court of first instance' in a specific case, it is often more natural to use the actual court name (e.g., 地方裁判所) if known, rather than the generic term. The generic term is more common in comparative law or academic contexts.
Refers to the original trial court, especially when contrasting with an appellate court. Often used in legal documents and discussions about appeals.
原審の判決を不服として控訴した。
They appealed, dissatisfied with the decision of the court of first instance.
Literally 'first trial', often used to refer to the proceedings or the court itself in context. It can be used as a shorthand.
第一審で無罪となった。
He was acquitted in the court of first instance.
District Court. This is the court of first instance for most civil and criminal cases. Often abbreviated as 地裁 (ちさい).
その訴訟は東京地方裁判所に提起された。
The lawsuit was filed in the Tokyo District Court (as the court of first instance).
Summary Court. Handles minor civil claims and minor criminal offenses as a court of first instance.
少額訴訟は簡易裁判所で扱われる。
Small claims are handled in the Summary Court (as a court of first instance).
Family Court. Acts as a court of first instance for family disputes and juvenile delinquency cases.
離婚調停は家庭裁判所で行われる。
Divorce mediation is conducted in the Family Court (as a court of first instance).