Question from Readers:
I heard that a comedian from Yoshimoto Kogyo has been sent to the public prosecutor’s office for involvement in an illegal casino. Shouldn’t they be referred to as a “suspect” at the time of being sent for prosecution? I’m particularly concerned about how they are being reported with “san” (a respectful suffix) attached, especially for Yoshimoto Dai
from Daitaku. Normally, I would expect them to be referred to as “Yoshimoto Dai the suspect,” so I’m puzzled as to why the terminology changes. For instance, in cases involving illegal drugs, the media quickly labels individuals as “suspects,” right? Yet, in this case involving an illegal online casino, the use of “san” raises questions. Even though they have been sent for prosecution due to illegal activities, it seems strange that the titles vary based on the case. This makes me feel that there might be favoritism toward Yoshimoto Kogyo.
Discomfort with Terminology for Yoshimoto Kogyo Comedians
Recently, I heard news about a Yoshimoto Kogyo comedian being sent to the public prosecutor’s office for involvement in an illegal casino. Many opinions suggest that they should be referred to as a “suspect.” The use of “san” in reporting, particularly for Yoshimoto Dai, caught my attention. It seems that normally they would be called “Yoshimoto Dai the suspect,” so I’m curious as to why the terminology differs.
Difference Between Arrest and Prosecution
In fact, whether someone has been arrested or not is crucial in determining the terminology used. If an individual has been arrested, they are definitely referred to as a “suspect.” However, in cases of prosecution, it is common to see them referred to by their title or with “san.” This is reasonable from a legal perspective. Prosecution is only the stage at which the police have completed their investigation and the individual has not yet been found guilty in court; thus, it is correct to refer to them as “a person of interest” rather than “suspect.” I vividly remember discussing this topic at a café with an old friend who is a law student and pays close attention to legal terminology. He passionately explained, “The term ‘person of interest’ is used because there is still a possibility of innocence.” I recall thinking at that moment, “Wow, the law is indeed profound.”
Differences in Media Treatment
It’s also interesting that different media outlets may use varying terminology. For example, in drug-related cases, individuals are often quickly labeled as “suspects,” but this time they were referred to with “san.” Some may feel this indicates favoritism towards Yoshimoto Kogyo, but it seems that the terminology can shift based on the media’s stance or circumstances. Indeed, the inconsistency in how the media reports different cases can evoke a sense of unfairness. Nonetheless, feeling the depth of such legal terminology brings me both joy and a sense of difficulty as someone studying law. Understanding these finer details enables deeper contemplation of various matters.
What Are Your Thoughts?
Reflecting on terminology in this way, I sense the profound nature of the legal world. What do you all think? I would love to hear your opinions and experiences regarding recent news or legal discussions in the comments. I’m looking forward to hearing from you all. As fellow law students, it would be great to share and discuss various topics together!
