General Practice Law at Japan
Japan's legal system is a civil law system influenced by European models, particularly German and French legal traditions. The system emphasizes codified statutes, with the Six Codes forming its foundation:
Civil Code
Commercial Code
Criminal Code
Constitution of Japan
Code of Civil Procedure
Code of Criminal Procedure
The judiciary is independent, and the legal profession is regulated by the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA).
🧑⚖️ Legal Professions in Japan
The Japanese legal profession is divided into several distinct roles
Bengoshi (弁護士):Fully qualified attorneys who can represent clients in all legal matters
Shiho-Shoshi (司法書士):Legal professionals specializing in real estate registration, commercial registration, and preparation of court documents
Gyosei-Shoshi (行政書士):Administrative scriveners who assist with government filings and documentation
Patent Attorneys (Benrishi):Specialists in intellectual property law
🎓 Pathway to Becoming a Bengoshi (Attorney)
To become a Bengoshi in Japan, one must:
Legal Education: Complete a law degree from a recognized universit.Alternatively, pass a preliminary test (Yobi-Shiken) to qualify for the bar exam without attending law school
Bar Examination: Pass the National Bar Examination, administered by the Ministry of Justic.
Legal Training: Undergo training at the **Legal Training and Research Institute (LTRI)*.
Registration: Register with the JFBA and a local bar association
🌍 Foreign Lawyers in Japa Foreign lawyers can practice in Japan under the status of **Registered Foreign Lawyers (Gaikokuho-Jimu-Bengoshi or Gaiben)*.
A valid license to practice law in their home jurisdictin.
At least three years of post-qualification experience, with at least one year outside Japan
Registration with the JFBA and a local bar association or designated foreign laws
⚖️ Court System Overview
Japan's court system compriss:
*Summary Courts: Handle minor civil and criminal cass.
*Family Courts: Deal with domestic and juvenile mattes.
*District Courts: Primary courts for civil and criminal cass.
*High Courts: Appellate courts reviewing decisions from lower cours.
*Supreme Court: The highest court, overseeing constitutional and legal matters
📚 Additional Resources
**Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA)*:
*Tokyo Bar Association:
*Japanese Law Translation:
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