Job Discussion Forums

jademonkey · Joined: 30 Mar 2007 Posts: 180

Let's look at this logically.

The judge acknowledged 'suspicion'.
There was substantial circumstantial evidence linking Obara to the crime.
Neither of these is sufficient to charge someone for a capital crime.
Therefore, he wasn't charged for a capital crime.

It was not beyond reasonable doubt, it was still very much in the area of reasonable doubt.

southofreality · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Posts: 579 Location: Tokyo

This is an emotionally-charged issue and it's hard for me to blame the Original poster for spouting off about it the way he did. As with legal systems all around the world, including the States (remember the OJ Simpson farce), there are times when it seems as if justice hasn't been carried out. Sometimes it's because we don't understand the complexities of the law. Other times it's clear that huge mistakes have been made. Either way, I don't expect the Blackman family to put this behind them until they are satisfied that justice has been carried out. But, that's their fight, and all we can do is wish them luck (unless one of us becomes a crusader and joins in).

A specific case that has drawn criticism against the legal system here in Japan, from citizens and non-citizens alike, is linked up below. However, its appearance is in no way part of an attempt to indict the entire Japanese legal system.

http://asia.news.yahoo.com/060501/kyodo/d8har6eo2.html

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

It is true, the relation to teaching is...

But as opined by others, we really do need an off topic forum section in the Japan section like they have in the China section.

As to the subject, yes lots of circumstanial evidence; Obara invited the girl out to his condo the same weekend she diappeared, he had numerous videos of other girls he drugged and raped, she was found in a cave near his condo in Chiba, and he bought a chainsaw around the time that she disappeared. Unfortunately the police were late in discovering the body, having earlier searched part of the cave where Blackman's body was discovered and not finding it. Only after continued pressure from Mr. Blackman did the police continue looking and eventually turn up the body.

Beyond a reasonable doubt? Court wise, not enough. The police and the judicial system think Obara may have been involved, but they can't prove what involvement he had, if any.

wabisabi365 · Joined: 04 Feb 2007 Posts: 111 Location: japan

Quote from Glenski;

Again, folks, let's get off this topic. No evidence has been given to satisfy a judge, yet voodoochild wants to raise this politically charged non-teaching issue on a teaching board. I say close the thread.
/end quote

Fortunately, the thread wasn't closed and a reasonable discussion has been able to take place. Funny that.

My original post was deleted. My gripe was with the fact that Glenski wanted this swept under the rug. Hopefully my choice of words this time will meet the requirements of this online discussion.

The dialogue here is very similar to a discussion I had with workmates, teachers and administrators alike, regarding the Blackman trial. Some were understanding of the verdict, some quite fired up. Much as it is here. In any case, it is a topic that is on the minds of many English instructors here in Japan. A topic that we would like to discuss and analyze in further detail. Isn't that what this board is all about?

I am generally not a very vocal person in this forum, but being told in a way that reeks of condescension that this topic is not appropriate for the teachers here (and should be closed down) has me jumping right in with my own two cents.

cheers,
wabisabi365

gaijin4life · Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2007 4:46 am Post subject:

J. · Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 327

that Obara could have been found guilty by a preponderance of the evidence ie a Criminal Law Professor at a Tokyo Law School, as was Masumi Hayashi with similar evidence. See today's ( Wednesday the 25th) Japan times front and second page articles.

Her hair was found in one of his apartments. They found a plastic bag for a tent they believe he purchased (perhaps used to wrap the body). He bought an electric chain saw, ready-mixed cement, and some tools right after Lucie disappeared and a neighbor saw him "doing something with cement" in his Miura condo, near where the body was found.

Then there is the payment to the father. Or maybe he's just a generous philanthropist?

gaijin4life · Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2007 9:00 am Post subject:

voodoochild · Joined: 04 Apr 2003 Posts: 80

Well your name says it all 'Gaijin for Life'

Mr. Kalgukshi · Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2007 9:52 am Post subject: Locked

This thread is now returned for on topic posting. The last inappropriate posting resulted in a very severe sanction for the responsible party. The next time this thread is locked or derailed will be the last time.

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

wabisabi365 · Joined: 04 Feb 2007 Posts: 111 Location: japan

MOD EDIT

If we look at the Blackman case, controversial because of its ruling and of interest to the teachers here, (even though she was not a teacher herself) who is to decide whether or not we should discuss it? Someone (who, by the way, is not a moderator) telling us NOT to discuss it sidetracks the initial discussion, and some less-than-mature posters take it upon themselves to create a tangent from the initial discussion. In this instance, the tangent was, quite simply, a rant that took away from the issue.

MOD EDIT

In any case, back on topic, it has been interesting (and eye-opening) for me to see the amount of interest the Japanese co-ordinators in my group here at my uni have regarding the Blackman story. They have brought in Japanese articles for me to read, and I have shown them the news from my own English language newspaper. There has been a genuine interest and concern on their part, and I, for one, have found the open discussion about something that may be perceived as taboo or shameful quite refreshing.

Over and out,
ws365

southofreality · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Posts: 579 Location: Tokyo

Nice post, wabisabi.

You're right. There's quite a bit of interest in this story, on the parts of foreigners and Japanese. It was all over the news and discussion programs yesterday here in Japan.

As far as on topic or off topic goes, many people come to this forum looking for information as it relates to the lives of foreigners in Japan. I think that fact gives some relevancy to discussion of the topic at hand.

Mr. Kalgukshi · Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2007 4:56 am Post subject:

You may assume the topic is appropriate for discussion at this point or the thread would have been deleted.

It would be very prudent for there to be no more postings regarding the appropriateness of the topic of this thread.