未遂犯

• Reading: みすいはん
• Romaji: misuihan
• Kanji breakdown: 未 (mi) — not yet | 遂 (sui) — accomplish | 犯 (han) — crime, offence
• Pronunciation: /mi.sɯ.i.han/

Meaning

Attempted crime; a criminal act that was commenced but not completed.

Under Japanese criminal law, 未遂犯 refers to an offence where the perpetrator began execution but did not achieve the intended result, either due to external interference or failure. Punishment for attempt (未遂罪) may be reduced compared to the completed offence. 中止未遂 (voluntary abandonment) — where the perpetrator voluntarily stops — can lead to further mitigation or exemption. Common examples include attempted murder (殺人未遂) and attempted robbery (強盗未遂).

Examples

1. 男は殺人未遂罪で起訴され、懲役15年の判決を受けた。 The man was indicted for attempted murder and sentenced to 15 years in prison.
2. 未遂犯であっても、犯意が明確であれば重い刑事責任が問われる。 Even in the case of an attempted crime, serious criminal liability can be imposed if criminal intent is clear.
3. 中止未遂として自ら犯行を中止した場合、刑が減軽または免除されることがある。 If the perpetrator voluntarily abandons the act as a case of voluntary abandonment, the sentence may be reduced or waived.

Usage Guide

Context: criminal law, courts, legal studies

Tone: technical

Origin & History

Compound of 未 (mi) meaning 'not yet', 遂 (sui) meaning 'to accomplish, to complete', and 犯 (han) meaning 'crime, offence'. Literally 'a crime not yet accomplished' — the standard legal term for criminal attempt.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji–Present

Generation: Legal professionals and students

Social background: Educated