Hiroshima University Syllabus

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Japanese
Academic Year 2024Year School/Graduate School School of Law Law Day Course
Lecture Code F4300200 Subject Classification Specialized Education
Subject Name Legal System and Japanese Society
Subject Name
(Katakana)
リーガル システム アンド ジャパニーズ ソサイエティ
Subject Name in
English
Legal System and Japanese Society
Instructor MOUSOURAKIS GEORGE
Instructor
(Katakana)
ムスラキス ジョージ
Campus Higashi-Hiroshima Semester/Term 2nd-Year,  Second Semester,  4Term
Days, Periods, and Classrooms (4T) Thur5, (4T) Thur6-8:Higashi-Senda Meeting Rm 3-1
Lesson Style Lecture Lesson Style
(More Details)
 
The teaching of the course will take the form of formal lecturing and class discussions. Study guides will be provided for each lecture every week. These are designed to assist students to understand the material being lectured on. The instructor will also use video materials and power point slides to aid students in the learning process.  
Credits 2.0 Class Hours/Week   Language of Instruction E : English
Course Level 1 : Undergraduate Introductory
Course Area(Area) 24 : Social Sciences
Course Area(Discipline) 01 : Law
Eligible Students All students
Keywords Japan, History, Society, Law, Politics 
Special Subject for Teacher Education   Special Subject  
Class Status
within Educational
Program
(Applicable only to targeted subjects for undergraduate students)
 
Criterion referenced
Evaluation
(Applicable only to targeted subjects for undergraduate students)
Business Law
(Knowledge and Understanding)
・Essential fundamental knowledge・understanding of systemic understanding of law systems.

Public Policy
(Knowledge and Understanding)
・Essential fundamental knowledge・understanding of systemic understanding of law systems.

Law and Politics Program
(Knowledge and Understanding)
・Essential fundamental knowledge・understanding of systemic understanding of law systems

Legal Profession Training Course
(Knowledge and Understanding)
・Essential fundamental knowledge・understanding of systemic understanding of law systems. 
Class Objectives
/Class Outline
The main aims of this course are twofold: (1) to provide a basic introduction to the legal system of Japan in its historical, social and political context; and (2) to familiarize students with key aspects of the Japanese legal system, including the principal sources and divisions of law, the organization of the judiciary, Japan’s constitutional structure and the rule of law, and basic elements of civil and criminal law and procedure. Upon successful completion of the course, students should have developed an understanding of the relationship between law and society in Japan and the role of law in affecting social change.  
Class Schedule lesson1: Introduction : The historical context of Japanese law.
lesson2 : The socio-cultural and political context of Japanese law.
lesson3 : The early history of Japanese law (the law of feudal Japan).
lesson4 : The legal reforms of the Meiji era.
lesson5 : The development of Japanese law in the twentieth century.
lesson6 : The sources of Japanese law
lesson7 : Japan’s constitutional Law and its government structure.
lesson8 : Constitutional protection of human rights in Japan.
lesson9: Court structure.
lesson10 : Legal education and the legal profession in Japan.
lesson11 : Aspects of substantive criminal law.
lesson12 : Structure and function of the criminal justice administration in Japan.
lesson13: Civil law, litigation and dispute resolution.
lesson14: Social Change and Legal Reform in Japan.
lesson15: Presentation of the research carried out by students and in-class test. 
Text/Reference
Books,etc.
There is no set textbook for this course. Reading materials will be provided. Reference books and other sources will be included in the handouts delivered to the students. 
PC or AV used in
Class,etc.
 
(More Details) Handout・Picture(Video/PC/Other) 
Learning techniques to be incorporated  
Suggestions on
Preparation and
Review
The instructor will expect students to have covered the prescribed reading by the end of the course. Students are encouraged to read more widely if they get interested in a topic or if they find the material difficult and want to start with a more basic introduction. 
Requirements The course requires competence in English.  
Grading Method Assessment for this course will be based on class attendance, a written research report, presentation of research in class and an in-class test.
Class attendance: 20%
Written research report (2000 words): 30%
Presentation of research in class: 20%
In-class test: 30% 
Practical Experience  
Summary of Practical Experience and Class Contents based on it  
Message The instructor is Professor George Mousourakis. 
Other   
Please fill in the class improvement questionnaire which is carried out on all classes.
Instructors will reflect on your feedback and utilize the information for improving their teaching. 
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