A Decade of Strict-Liability Litigation Under Japan's Product Liability Law of 1994
Sydney Law School Research Paper No. 06/16
Australian Product Liability Reporter, Vol. 16, No. 5, pp. 65-69, 2005
6 Pages Posted: 8 Nov 2005
Abstract
This article analyses patterns in reported case filings in Japan, particularly since the summers of eating dangerously and renewed public controversy over product safety issues since 2000-1. Especially compared to other jurisdictions that added a strict-liability regime modelled on the European Union's Directive of 1985, the volumes and types of filings are quite considerable, and the proportion of pro-plaintiff judgments recently is particularly noteworthy. Other patterns, including significant geographical dispersal in litigation venue, a high proportion of claims for 'consumer' (as opposed to 'business') losses, and quite reasonable disposition times, also confirm patterns emerging over the 1990s.
Keywords: Japan, product liability, product safety, comparative law
JEL Classification: K13, K41
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation