Current Issues in Japanese Law and Society

Viktoriya KIM (Graduate School of Human Sciences)

Course Objective
   This course will introduce students to a range of current issues pertaining to the Japanese legal system that have social implications for society. By exploring cutting-edge issues in Japanese Law such as Article 9 of the Constitution, the lay judge system, immigrants to Japan and their rights, divorce, sexual harassment, discrimination and other topics, students will develop an understanding of the debates which are preoccupying discussions of politicians and the media. We will examine and evaluate these topics using media resources drawing on the cases and how they are discussed and explained in both the media and in the works of legal scholars and social scientists.

Requirement / Prerequisite
   No

Course Content
   Week 1. Introduction to Course
                  Law and Society. Japanese Legal System
   Week 2. Historical Development of Japanese Legal System
   Week 3. The Legal Profession: Structure, Education, and Training
   Week 4. The Judiciary and Lay Judge (Citizen Judge) System
   Week 5. Dispute Resolution in Modern Japan
   Week 6. Contracts and the Legal Consciousness of Contract in Japan
   Week 7. Constitutional Law. The Military and Article 9 of Japanese Constitution
   Week 8. Constitutional Law. Minority Groups Rights
   Week 9. Constitutional Law. Foreigners and Japanese Migration Law
   Week 10. Family Law. Definition, Family Registry
   Week 11. Family Law. Adoption, Custody, Divorce
   Week 12. Employment Law. Hiring, Firing, Work Conditions
   Week 13. Employment Law. Discrimination, Sexual Harassment
   Week 14. Criminal Law. Crimes, Organized Crime Groups, Law Enforcement Institutions, Procedures
   Week 15. Course Review

Class Plan
   The course will be delivered utilizing a blend of lectures, student's presentations, practical activities, group discussions and case study investigations. Students are expected to prepare for each class by doing all required readings and assignments, and participate in class discussions.

Textbooks
   Students will be provided with readings and all other necessary materials throughout the course.

Grading Policy
   Attendance and Class Participation: 15%
   Students are expected to attend each class session and engage in active discussion.
  
   Op-eds: 50% (10%×5)
   Each student should submit short op-eds on the topic discussed in classes (1 page, A4, Arial 12 points, 1.5 spacing).
  
   Presentation: 35%
   In this assignment students will be expected to present the materials/cases related to the topic of the week that can be found in the media. The presentation should discuss cases and how they were solved, as well as student's evaluation and critique. Each presentation should last no longer than 10-15 minutes.