Professional Services Provided to Citizens

At the request of the criminal courts, Toben has recommended candidates eligible to serve as court-appointed defense counsel for criminal defendants. Toben has also been engaged in the recommendation of attorneys for persons suspected of crimes, before they are indicted, in response to requests from such individuals.

The Judicial Assistance Center of Japan (hereinafter the "Center") was established as of April 10, 2006, pursuant to the General Legal Assistance Law enacted in 2004, and the actual operation of the Center is scheduled to commence from October 2006. The functions heretofore provided by Toben, of making recommendations both as to court-appointed defense counsel and as to attorneys for persons suspected of crimes before indictment, shall be assumed by the Center.

Toben offers legal consultation to the public. Such legal consultation is provided at the Bar Associations Building or "Bengoshi Kaikan", the Tama Center, as well as at some other facilities where the local governments render such consultation services in concert with Toben. Toben is engaged in human rights relief activities in response to petitions made by citizens and foreign refugees. Toben also recommends attorneys for legal consultation and to handle litigation cases in conjunction with the Legal Aid Society, which offers financial assistance for legal fees and costs to indigent persons. Although the above functions now provided by the Legal Aid Society are to be assumed in their entirety by the Center from October 2006, Toben will continue to render the same services to the Center as it has contributed to the Legal Aid Society.

In addition to offering legal consultation, Toben prepares and distributes pamphlets and leaflets concerning the activities of the Association. It holds lectures on law and strives to provide the public with essential legal knowledge.

Protection of Human Rights
Legislative Recommendations and Opinions
Reform of the Judicial System
Education, Training and Publications

ENGLISH