NCJ Number
132018
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 14 Issue: 1-2 Dated: (Spring-Winter 1990) Pages: 65-73
Date Published
1990
Length
9 pages
Annotation
In response to the dramatic increase in traffic accidents in Japan following World War II, the country implemented criminalization against traffic offenders in several phases including the enactment and amendment of traffic laws, the enforcement of traffic laws, the criminal justice system, and the treatment of traffic offenders.
Abstract
The most significant traffic laws were enacted and amended between 1960 and 1969 when criminalization was implemented in nearly every area of criminal law on traffic. These developments included the adoption of the Traffic Infraction Notification System and the systemization of fundamental traffic laws. As a result, the number of traffic accidents decreased in the 1970's, when criminalization was mainly carried out against drunk drivers and hot-rodders. However, this author urges Japanese scholars to stop further criminalization against traffic offenders and to advocate decriminalization for minor offenses. 10 notes and 3 references (Author abstract modified)