Request by the Japan Federation of Bar Associations and Bar Associations for the Realization of Inspections of Execution Chambers
August 19, 2011
Japan Federation of Bar Associations
About the Request
The Japan Federation of Bar Associations (“JFBA”) prepared “Request by the Japan Federation of Bar Associations and Bar Associations for the Realization of Inspections of Execution Chambers” dated August 19, 2011, and submitted it to the Minister of Justice on August 25, 2011.
Summary of the Request
Currently, there is a dispute in Japan concerning the death penalty as even very basic information is withheld from the public and an extremely secretive policy has been adopted.
In order for attorneys to present the best defense possible and advocate for the rights and benefits of a defendant, it is imperative for attorneys to have a correct understanding of the actual status of execution chambers and how executions are performed.
Further, before the national discussion and debate that has been requested by bar associations can occur regarding how the death penalty system should operate, including whether the death penalty should be retained or abolished, it is essential for attorneys to first inspect execution chambers, which provide the most basic information of issues related to the death penalty system.
Therefore, the JFBA strongly requests the realization of inspections of execution chambers to be conducted by the JFBA and bar associations.
