Judicial Education for Students Spreads in Japan

Tokyo, June 3 (Jiji Press)–Judicial education, in which lawyers and others introduce young people to the beauty of the legal profession, is becoming more common in Japan. With support from the Justice Ministry and others, the Legal Education Support Association has organized more than 10 seminars and mock trials in which students can participate for free. A total of about 1,000 junior high and high school students and others have joined these events in the past three years. The association was established in January 2023 by lawyer Akihide Kumada and others concerned about the decreasing number of young people wanting to become legal professionals and law enforcement officers, as well as a possible decline in the quality of such professionals. “As the judiciary serves as the cornerstone of democracy and a nation governed by law, a personnel shortage would lead to the decline of the country and society,” said Kumada, 56. Seminars organized by the association feature prosecutors, lawyers, judges, and others involved in the criminal justice system, including police, prison and parole officers. These professionals give lectures on criminal procedures and the rewarding aspects of their jobs. At mock trials for imaginary cases, participants play the roles of prosecutors, lawyers and judges and go through the court process right up to rulings with the help of active prosecutors, judge-turned lawyers and other professionals. Judicial education programs have received positive feedback from participating students. One junior high school student said that he attended a mock trial in Tokyo in late March as he had become more interested in the justice system after attending a seminar the previous year. “I learned that legal professionals are vital to our society,” he said, voicing his aspiration to pursue such a career. According to the association, more and more event participants intend to study law and become legal professionals. Meanwhile, Kumada noted the need to strengthen the association’s secretariat and financial base. “We hope to gain support from various entities, including companies,” he said. He added that the association aims to increase events outside the Tokyo metropolitan area by collaborating with related organizations, including prosecutors’ offices nationwide. “It’s important to convey the appeal of the legal profession in a way that resonates with young people,” Kumada said. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]