NCJ Number
84748
Journal
Correctional OPTIONS Volume: 2 Issue: 1 Dated: (Fall 1982) Pages: 64-74
Date Published
1982
Length
11 pages
Annotation
An overview of the Japanese criminal justice system compares it to the Canadian system in the areas of police, prosecution, the courts, probation and parole, and correctional institutions.
Abstract
The authorized strength of the prefectural police for all of Japan as of April 1980 was 210,000, which compares favorably with Canada. The police are an investigative agency without power to decide on a criminal charge. This power is vested with the public prosecutor, who is also authorized to conduct investigations. In 1980, Japan had 575 summary courts, 50 district courts, and 8 high courts, along with the Supreme Court. A juvenile in Japan is defined as under 20 years-old. A notable aspect of Japan's probation and parole system is the use of about 50,000 volunteers. Such a use of volunteers in lacking in Canada, where recruitment of volunteers is difficult and a pluralistic culture makes the matching of volunteers and clients a problem. There are 74 major prisons in Japan and 115 'branch' prisons used primarily for housing persons under and awaiting trial. Classification plays a central role in determining the housing and programs of individual inmates. Although prisoners are well-trained and certified in trades from prison vocational programs, they still have difficulty getting jobs upon release, largely because of the priority Japanese society gives to conformity and character achievement. Major characteristics that distinguish probation and parole in Japan from the system in Ontario are listed, and 18 footnotes are provided.