NCJ Number
90612
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 56 Issue: 3 Dated: (July-September 1983) Pages: 269-275
Date Published
1983
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This paper investigates the reasons behind the extremely low crime rate in industrialized Japan, considering three separate types of differences between Japanese and Western criminal control and social justice.
Abstract
The three separate types of differences between Japanese and Western criminal control and social justice are differences in law enforcement, in public cooperation with the police, and in the values of interdependence and social harmony. Japan's police receive longer professional training and have high 'esprit de corps' among officers. Japan also has a more efficient court system and a strict ban on handguns. Furthermore, Japanese citizens frequently volunteer for police supporting or parole board activities, and the Japanese are quick to influence both their laws and their mass media whenever this seems desirable. Finally, all Japanese share responsibility for the fates of others, and of honor and shame in the family or social group. These invisible values can be demonstrated (through case histories) to be serving as powerful checks on criminal behavior. Approximately 10 references are given.