Accurate fact-finding is the most important aspect of a criminal trial. No one would accept the mistaken punishment of an innocent defendant. A wrongful conviction is clearly incompatible with justice. However, as trials are conducted by imperfect human beings, miscarriages of justice cannot be completely prevented. Our task is to learn from past mistakes – namely, wrongful-conviction cases – and to keep reassessing both the structure and operation of criminal procedure, asking why such cases occur and how their number can be reduced, even slightly. While the complete elimination of wrongful convictions may be unrealistic, we can still pursue more fair and just criminal procedure. With these issues in mind, my research seeks to examine criminal procedure as a whole with the aim of enhancing fairness and justice, drawing on the legal systems and practical operations of other countries, especially England and Wales.
I researched the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), an institution established to investigate potential miscarriages of justice in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This document was provided by the CCRC during my visit in March 2024.A total of 135 criminal law scholars issued a statement calling for the revision of the retrial law. As one of the signatories representing the group, I attended the press conference in December 2025.I had the opportunity to shadow Andrew Tucker, a barrister with forty years of professional experience, for about a month. I have always learned a great deal from him. (Photo taken at his home in March 2024.)Investigation and interrogation are among the most important aspects of criminal procedure. England and Wales led the way in introducing measures such as audio and video recording of interrogations and the presence of a defence counsel. I regularly visit police stations and other institutions to study how these systems operate. (Photo taken at a police station in London in September 2025.)Legal education at the compulsory-education level is increasingly seen as important. I conduct special classes for children, such as mock trials. (The photo shows a special class held at Ichinoya Primary School in Nagareyama City in May 2025.)
