Article
Higher Education Policy (2007) 20, 195–206. doi:10.1057/palgrave.hep.8300150
Ideals and Realities in Japanese Law Schools: Artificial Obstacles to the Development of Legal Education
Masahiro Tanakaa
aCentre for Educational Research and Development, Shimane University, 1060 Nishikawatsu, Matsue, 690-8504, Japan. E-mail: masatana@soc.shimane-u.ac.jp
Abstract
This paper attempts to describe some problems of the new Japanese law school system. As a result of the conflict between the ideals and realities of law schools, many institutions are now facing crises in their existence. This conflict originates in the various tactics being employed to protect vested interests, for instance, in sustaining the existing Faculties of Law.
Keywords:
law school, legal education, bar examination, Juris Doctor, practitioner-teacher, Japan


