In a significant move towards modernizing its judicial processes, Japan's Supreme Court has announced plans to consolidate the examination of arrest warrants requested by police during weekends and after hours to the Tokyo and Osaka courts. This decision aims to enhance the efficiency of the judicial system by implementing an online examination procedure starting in 2027. By reducing the operational burden on judges and court staff, the Supreme Court seeks to ensure a rapid and fair review of warrants while maintaining the integrity of individual rights as prescribed by the constitution.

Currently, police are required to submit warrant requests in person at various court locations, which involves a tedious process where a judge must review the materials presented. In 2024, it was reported that there were nearly 89,495 requests for arrest warrants across the nation, with an approval rate of 98.5%. However, the process has faced criticism due to the potential for human rights violations, particularly when inexperienced judges are asked to make quick judgments during off-hours, raising concerns about the quality of judicial oversight in these critical moments.

The Supreme Court's initiative not only aims to centralize the warrant examination process but also seeks to alleviate the workload of judges working in smaller, local courts that have limited staff. By focusing resources and expertise in larger metropolitan areas, this consolidation is expected to improve the efficiency of the judicial system and enhance the overall quality of legal examinations. Discussions on revising relevant regulations and reorganizing personnel are already underway to ensure a smooth transition by the designated date in 2027.