이사의 내부통제제도 구축의무와 법적 책임- 일본 판례법상의 전개를 중심으로 -

This paper examines responsibilities for a company’s internal controls in Japanese Cases. Generally, internal control system is defined as a process affected by an organization's structure, work and authority flows, people and management information systems, designed to help the organization accomplish specific goals or objectives. It is a means by which an organization's resources are directed, monitored, and measured. It plays an important role in detecting and preventing fraud and protecting the organization's resources, both physical and intangible. Management is accountable to the board of directors, which provides governance, guidance and oversight. Effective board members are objective, capable and inquisitive. They also have a knowledge of the entity's activities and environment, and commit the time necessary to fulfill their board responsibilities. Management may be in a position to override controls and ignore or stifle communications from subordinates, enabling a dishonest management which intentionally misrepresents results to cover its tracks. A strong, active board, particularly when coupled with effective upward communications channels and capable financial, legal and internal audit functions, is often best able to identify and correct such a problem. In the decision of Osaka District Court (Daiwa bank case), the Court found that the directors of Daiwa bank had a duty to establish a proper risk management system. Japan forged new legal regime for internal control systems in Japanese Corporation Code. Also, the number of cases developed about company's internal control liability with Daiwa bank case. This paper provides a historical overview of the courts' application of the internal control systems. Also, it looks at how the Japanese courts have attempted to apply laws for specific cases.