Can Japanese Converse with Professional Judge in Saiban-in System?

This paper analyzes pros and cons of the newly introduced Japanese criminal trial system to include lay assessors. Focusing upon the competence and bias issues of the Japanese toward legal decision making, the paper will discuss the nature of the Saiban in system from the cultural, historical and theprethical point of view. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]