Top �� What's up around the Prime Minister �� July, 2002

The Fifth Meeting of the Advisory Board of the Office for Promotion of Justice System Reform Friday, July 5, 2002 The Fifth Meeting of the Advisory Board of the Office for Promotion of Justice System Reform was held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence with Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in attendance. At the meeting, discussions took place on the overall reform of the justice system, the status of discussions currently under way by ten consultation groups of experts, and the legal training system. Among these, in regard to justice system reform, an appeal entitled, "Aiming for an open and transparent society in which each and every person in Japan can shine," seeking the understanding and cooperation of the people toward the promotion of reform was adopted. The appeal was handed to Prime Minister Koizumi by Chairman Koji Sato, Professor Emeritus of Kyoto University and Professor at the Faculty of Law of Kinki University. During the meeting, after touching upon topics such as the realization of a society in which people in all communities nationwide can utilize legal services, and of a system in which expeditious judgments can be expected, Prime Minister Koizumi stated, "Today, receiving this clear appeal from the Advisory Board aimed toward the people, has strengthened my own determination for reform. In accordance with the purpose of this appeal, I ask for your continued efforts and assistance to ensure that reform of the justice system can be achieved."