Terrill: World Criminal Justice Systems: A Comparative Survey


Case Studies

Chapter 3: Japan

Yasuo is a 25-year-old male Japanese citizen who was arrested for robbery. A woman was walking down the street using her smart phone. Yasuo robbed her at gunpoint.

Questions

  1. If Yasuo lived in an urban area, what type of “police box” officer may be responsible for assisting in th response to this incident? If Yasuo lived in a rural area, what type of officer may assist?

    Correct Answer

    The prefectural police would address the situation. If Yasuo lived in an urban area, an officer from a koban may assist. If Yasuo lived in a rural area, an officer from a chuzaisho may assist.

  2. During questioning, what rights to an attorney would Yasuo have?

    Correct Answer

    Yasuo can be detained for questioning for up to 23 days, and he may be rearrested on other charges in order to continue detention. Yasuo has no right to legal counsel during questioning. Once indicted, Yasuo may have access to counsel, but it is often restricted by the police, and written communications can be censored. There is no court –appointed counsel until after indictment.

  3. In what court would Yasuo’s case likely be heard? In a civil case, if the offense was of a value less than 900,000 yen, what court would hear Yasuo’s case?

    Correct Answer

    District Courts are the principal courts of first instance, and they hear both civil and criminal cases. Summary Courts handle minor cases that do not warrant a formal trial, and they hear civil issues in which the value is less than 900,000 yen.

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