JUVENILE CRIME
KEYWORDS: CRIMINAL LAW, JUVENILES

Japanese under 14 years of age can not be held criminally liable under Japan’s criminal law. At that age they are subject to the Child Welfare Law. According to police statistics in 2003 serious crimes were committed by Japanese under 14 years of age in 212 cases, up 47% over the previous year and the first time to top 200 cases. The police are now seeking authority to detain juveniles for drinking, smoking,  hanging out in red light districts and running away from home. According to the police over 29% of juveniles arrested for crimes had already been picked up for delinquent activities previously, while 53% involved in serious crimes already had such records. The government is planning on legislation where they can order internet service providers to close down websites that announce the names or show the photos of minors charged with crimes. This practice has become widespread in Japan where people almost race to become the first to come out with the info. Newspapers, tv and radio respect the ban.

Copyright 2005. All rights reserved Attorney Roderick H. Seeman

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