#13: The Death Sentence in Japan

Japan is one of four developed countries that continues to apply capital punishment in their justice system. Japan only doles out death sentences for aggravated murder. In addition, they have a strict procedure that they follow when they put someone to death. Prisoners who are sentenced to death only find out a few hours before it happens.

The reasoning behind this procedure stems from the fact that many prisoners tend to take their own lives beforehand. In addition, prisoners’ families are notified after the execution has taken place. The media learns around the same time, too, so that it’s not a huge media spectacle. It’s pretty somber, but that’s how Japan does it.