Topics in Japanese Law

Pedriza Luis (Graduate School of Law)

Cource Objective
   It could be said that Japanese Law is relatively recent and, in many aspects, owes considerably to several foreign legal systems of Western countries such as those of Germany, France and United States. Nevertheless, over the time Japanese Law has developed its own idiosyncrasy acquiring its place within the different legal families of the World. The main objective of this course is to introduce the students to those institutions and concepts which are genuine of Japanese Law, so as to help them to better understand the role of Law in Japanese society.

Requirement / Prerequisite
   There are no requisites for this course. The course is open to both, graduate and undergraduate students.

Course Content
   The course will be divided into three parts: I/ General introduction, II/Public Law and III/ Private Law. The topics scheduled for this course are as follows. However some adjustments may be made if necessary.
   1- Japanese law pre-Meiji
   2- The role of Japanese Law in society
   3- The sources of Japanese law
   4- The legal professions in Japan
   5- Courts
   6- Constitutional law I: basic features
   7- Constitutional law II: the guarantee of the Fundamental Human Rights
   8- Constitutional law III: article 9 and pacifism
   9- Civil law I: basic features
   10- Civil law II: contract and tort law
   11- Civil law III: family law
   12- Civil and Administrative procedural law
   13- Criminal law
   14- Criminal procedural law
   15- Review

Textbooks
   Materials will be provided

Grading Policy
   Debate reports 40%, final report 60%. Attendance is mandatory unless excused.