National News

Top court nixes unequal inheritance rights

音声ダウンロード

In a landmark ruling Sept. 4, the Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional to deny full inheritance rights to heirs born out of wedlock.

Under current law, such heirs can only inherit half the worth of an estate compared to their "legitimate" siblings.

The ruling is a victory for "illegitimate" children who have opposed the law for years.

After the ruling, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters a bill would be submitted to reflect the court's decision. (The Japan Times)

婚外子の相続差別、最高裁が違憲判断

最高裁は９月４日、結婚していない男女間に生まれた婚外子の相続分を法律婚の子の半分とする民法の規定を違憲と判断した。

The Japan Times ST: September 13, 2013