재판원제도의 시행에 대응하는 일본의 법교육 사례 연구

Abstract

Japan's jury system(Saiban-in System), introduced in 2009 with the aim of enhancing public trust in the fairness of the judiciary and fostering civic awareness through participation in the legal process, has faced concerns regarding the capability of ordinary citizens to partake in trials and the psychological burden that may lead to reluctance in participation. To address these concerns, various Law-Related education initiatives have been undertaken in advance. On the public side, the Supreme Court of Japan has provided direct education to lay judges, while the Ministry of Justice has conducted broad Law-Related education programs for youth. On the private side, the Saiban-in Net has monitored and proposed improvements to the system, the Japan Federation of Bar Associations has emphasized human rights education through the lay judge system, and the Saiban-in Experience Network has shared experiences to promote civic engagement. Japan has steadily developed its Saiban-in system through diverse Law-Related education efforts, and recently expanded the eligibility to include citizens aged 18. Notably, the proactive activities from the private sector have continuously contributed to the system’s improvement, establishing it as a meaningful avenue for public participation in the judiciary. Japan’s approach offers significant insights into strengthening Law-Related education for the activation of Korea’s Civil Participation in Criminal Trials.