First Foreigner To Go Through Lay Judge Trial

[Mulboyne]

The Tokyo Shimbun reports (Japanese) that a Filipino man will become the first foreigner to be tried under Japan's new lay judge system. He was actually nineteen - technically a minor - when he allegedly committed two muggings in Saitama with an accomplice. However, he has been sent for a full trial because he is now 20 and the two offences were committed within days of each other. It is understood that the defendant is not contesting the charges or witness testimony so it appears to be a case where mitigating circumstances will be taken into account before sentencing. The hearing is set for September.

[Samurai_Jerk]

The Tokyo Shimbun reportsHe was actually nineteen - technically a minor - when he allegedly committed two muggings in Saitama with an accomplice. However, he has been sent for a full trial because he is now 20 and the two offences were committed within days of each other.

Is that normal? Not being critical, just curious.

[Mulboyne]

Is that normal? Not being critical, just curious.

It's not unknown. I believe the Juvenile Law provides for circumstances where a full trial is appropriate for offences committed by 18-20 year olds. You can be tried for murder as a minor and at least two individuals have received the death penalty for offences they committed under the age of 20.

[Mulboyne]

This one will kick off on the 8th September. Since it he is the first foreign defendant, his trial will likely pick up additional media coverage to see how the court interpreters go.