JAPAN: MURDER- TOWARDS ABOLITION FOR STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS

March 30, 2010: Japan’s controlling Democratic Party approved a draft law that would abolish the statute of limitations for crimes punishable with the death penalty.
Experts say that it would be an important development for the Japanese justice system.
The draft law in question, that modifies the penal code, also raises the limitation for crimes punishable with life imprisonment to 30 years.
The draft law is based on the proposal presented by the Justice Minister last February. Observers say that the draft will be approved by Parliament by the end of June. It is highly unlikely that the largest opposition party, the Liberal Party, will vote against it. (Sources: 9Colonne, 30/03/2010)