Coordinator:  Ms Stacey Steele    Telephone:  83441001    Office:   Room 0716    Email:   Click here to email Stacey Steele

 

Prerequisites and/or Corequisites

Prerequisites: History and Philosophy of Law I, History and Philosophy of Law II, Torts and the Process of Law I, Torts and the Process of Law II
No knowledge of Japan or Japanese language is assumed.

Description

Japan is a large creditor nation and its legal system has presented a regulatory and organisational blueprint for developing countries, particularly in Asia. Yet its government is actively seeking economic and social reform through legislative means. This makes it an exciting and challenging time to study Japanese law.

In this subject, we will unpack the stereotypes about Japanese law as we explore topics such as: the periodic adaptation of Japanese law to new challenges; nationality law and demands for new civil rights; expectations of gender and racial equity; dispute resolution and contracting; Japan's use of the death penalty; and the failures and successes of commercial law reform. The subject also considers how you might use your law degree to practise in Japan and the framework regulating practice by non-Japanese in one of the world's largest demand economies for legal services.

Based around a range of English language resources, the subject uses lecturers, seminars, class discussion, hypothetical problems, film, documentaries and the internet to get inside Japanese law. It offers a stimulating opportunity to consider foreign and comparative law issues in an Asian legal system context.

Note: This is an approved legal theory subject. The essay in this subject is regarded as a substantial piece of legal writing for honours purposes.

Points: 12.5

Contact hours: Intensive