Title: 魔女裁判 Majo Saiban
English Title: The Witch Trial
Country: Japan
Language: Japanese
Year: 2009
Episode: 10
Cast:
- 生田斗真 Ikuta Tōma
- 加藤あい Kato Ai
- 比嘉愛未 Higa Manami
- 鈴木亮平 Suzuki Ryohei
- 忽那汐里 Kutsuna Shiori
- 石田ゆり子 Ishida Yuriko
- 末永遥 Suenaga Haruka
- 中村靖日 Nakamura Yasuhi
- 山谷初男 Yamaya Hatsuo
- 松本じゅん Matsumoto Jun
- 中村果生莉 Nakamura Kaori
- 平方元基 Hirakata Genki
- 渡邉鉱平 Watanabe Kohei
- 宍戸美和公 Shishido Miwako
- 滝沢沙織 Takizawa Saori
SYNOPSIS
Yoshiaka Toru is a part-timer who has no interest in social issues but he is called one day to become a juror or a lay judge.
The jury is composed of eight individuals who are from all walks of life. These lay judges are required to take part in the criminal trials of Kashiwagi Kyoko, called a witch by the press, who is accused of murdering her husband in order to collect insurance money.
REVIEW
A jury trial or trial by jury is a legal proceeding wherein a group of people make a decision or make findings of a fact which are then applied by a judge. In contrast, a bench trial is a legal proceeding wherein a judge or a panel of judges makes all the decisions about the case. (Yes, I had to do some research.)
In May 2009, Japan implemented the law enacted on May 2004 which requires selected citizens to take part in criminal court trials of certain severe crimes and make decisions together with professional judges both on guilt and on the sentence. I suppose Majo Saiban is a way for the Japanese people to learn more about jury trials and what they are supposed to do if ever they become lay judges.
However, the drama takes liberty with its dramatic license by entertaining the idea that a mysterious person is manipulating the lay judges into making certain judgments and decisions. (Or perhaps the approach taken by the drama is just an exaggerated version of what really happens in real life? I don't know.)
I do understand the difficulties of making proper judgments and right decisions. When someone threatens me to make certain decisions or else he will harm the people who are important to me, I admit I would really think twice about what I should do.
I like how the drama encourages viewers to think one way but then after letting the viewers establish these beliefs and convictions, the drama then presents situations differently which leads to the viewers doubting these beliefs and convictions; perhaps doubting themselves in a way.
This particular maneuvering is most evident in trying to determine who is the real killer and whether the crime committed was intentional or not. The witch is supposedly clearly the suspect but there are some minor considerations that could possibly acquit her of the crime. Later on, it seemed that it was the witch's daughter that committed the crime and her mother stood in for her in order to protect her. Much later on, it seemed that the witch is the real killer and the crime was intentional. In addition, the witch and her daughter plotted together in order to acquit the witch of the crime she has committed and to access the fortune at stake, the main reason why she committed the crime.
Although the drama is quite far-fetched, I appreciate that the drama is trying to make people understand the complexities and difficulties of making judgments. More often than not, things are not always what they seem so people should exercise great caution when doing so. It is also possible that other people or parties will try to influence people to make judgments that are beneficial to them. Therefore, it is important to be aware and to counteract against these influences, especially in important matters such as making sure that people who commit crimes are made accountable for their actions and are duly punished.
I really like Yoshiaka Toru's motto "Think twice". He said he is really simple-minded so the motto means, "Before you do something, think through it carefully".
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魔女裁判 Majo Saiban
