S/L/66. Human Rights Concerns Regarding The Japanese System of Punishment

This essay evaluates the human rights concerns regarding the Japanese system of punishment. These concerns arise around specific areas of the Japanese penal system. As such, this essay considers select elements individually with reference to their legality under Japanese law, and also under international human rights law. The elements to be considered are; the substitute prison system (incorporating coerced confessions); the deprivation of the right of criminal suspects and criminal defendants to counsel; the use of Protection Cells and Solitary Confinement. Japanese society, suggestions of reform and the improvement of the 1908 Prison Law are also examined.