Why do countries introduce jury systems? Insights from Japan and East Asia

Guest Lecture

Rieko Kage, Associate Professor of Political Science, Advanced Social and International Studies, University of Tokyo

Abstract

Over the last two decades, jury systems have been introduced in Japan, Korea, and, on a provisional basis, in Taiwan.  Why might states with criminal trials that have been dominated by professional judges allow greater public input into their criminal proceedings --  indeed, undermining their own powers?

There also exist important differences in the jury systems in the three countries; for instance, while defendants in Japan cannot opt out of a jury trial if they are accused of a certain class of cases, defendants in South Korea may choose whether or not to be tried by a jury.  How can we explain the differences in the configuration of new jury institutions across different countries?  The present study draws primarily on the case of Japan, but also on Korea and Taiwan, to argue that dynamics among political parties, especially the relative influence of left-libertarian parties, crucially shaped both the timing and the design of jury systems in the three countries.

Registration information:

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