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Japanese Don't Want Their Day in Court

Traditional values clash with forthcoming jury-style system

By Sam Gale Rosen, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 16, 2007 7:31 PM CDT

(Newser) – Japan is switching to a jury-style system in 2009, but according to polls, 80% of Japanese don't want to serve. The new system clashes with traditional Japanese values, including deferral to authority and a reluctance to argue in public. To help win over the public, mock trials are being held all over the country, the New York Times reports.

In the mock trials, jury members are often reluctant to speak directly to each other, and have to be grilled by judges in order to voice an opinion. “To not speak is considered a virtue" in Japan, says the leader of a Japanese theater group putting on a version of "12 Angry Men" in honor of the occasion

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

American jurors evaluate their decision. Beginning in 2009, Japan will begin a jury-style court system. (Index Open)

Gavel and law books over Japanese flag. Jury duty for Japanese citizens will be introduced in 2009. (shutterstock.com; composite by Daniel Kibblesmith)

3D illustration of a jury. (Shutterstock.com)

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Japanese Don't Want Their Day in Court