Opinion Concerning the Cabinet’s Decision Approving the Exercise of the Right to Collective Self-Defense, etc.

• Japanese

September 18, 2014

Japan Federation of Bar Associations

 

 

About the Request

The Japan Federation of Bar Associations (“JFBA”) prepared its “Opinion Concerning the Cabinet’s Decision Approving the Exercise of the Right to Collective Self-Defense, etc.” at the meeting of the JFBA Board of Governors conducted on September 18, 2014 and submitted such Opinion to the Prime Minister, the Chief Cabinet Secretary, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the House of Councilors on September 22, 2014.

 

 

Summary of the Request

1. The JFBA strongly opposes the Cabinet’s Decision for the reasons described below and requests that it be repealed, because the Cabinet’s Decision on July 1, 2014 entitled “Development of Seamless Security Legislation to Ensure Japan’s Survival and Protect its People” i) approves the exercise of the right to collective self-defense; ii) increases authority in the use of weapons and logistics support abroad by the Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF); and iii) violates the fundamental principles of the Constitution and its ideals of permanent pacifism (such as set forth in Article 9 thereof) and the sovereignty of the people, which are fundamental principles of the Constitution.
2. Since the legislation of a law to implement the Cabinet’s Decision stated above, and the amendment thereof, violates the Constitution in the same manner as set forth above, the JFBA urges that such law not be legislated.