Thoughts on Social Aid/Assistance for Criminal Suspects and the Accused

<p>　In observing the Community Recidivism Prevention Model, we find that 37 participating administrative divisions (subnational jurisdictions) of Japan and/or municipalities have already begun to base initiatives on the key word “recidivism prevention”, with influence expanding into local municipalities as well. Whether at the commencement or culmination of the criminal justice process, smooth reentry into society without mutual understanding from municipal localities makes societal re-acclamation a difficult task for criminal suspects, the accused and/or those released after serving a sentence. Conversely, when there is understanding at the municipal level, establishing a foundation for community readaptation becomes an immediate possibility.　In this paper, we discuss the results of the social aid practices implemented at the commencement of the criminal justice process for criminal suspects and the accused under Osaka Prefecture’s reformed Recidivism Prevention Model.　At the time of examining Osaka Prefecture’s Recidivism Prevention Model, one issue of power imbalance in favor of the prosecution body was brought to light. Namely, in this case, the extent to which social assistance was implemented was largely at the discretion of the prosecuting attorney in the screening process for determining status of suspect or accused. The bias of this approach is self-evident.　To ensure a more effective system going forward, the employment of a social welfare specialist independent of the prosecution attorney at the time of determining social aid/assistance for both a suspect and/or the accused is imperative.</p>