Scientific Controversy on the Food Related Trials in Japan

Abstract

　Responding to the drastic change of food environment in Japan after the W. W. II, two types of trials, namely, “industrial pollution trial” and “anxiety trial”, have been brought in court. The criminal trial regarding Morinaga (arsenic poisoning by powdery milk) and the civil trial regarding Kanemi (PCB and dioxin poisoning by cooking oil) are focused as the most typical case of industrial pollution trial, while Pesticide residue trial and GM (Genetically modified) rice trail are focused as the contemporary case of anxiety trial. This paper suggests three points to discuss about “Science at the Bar” by analyzing the scientific controversy that destined the direction of each trial respectively.
　 Regardless of the type of trial, the trend of scientific controversy depends on the framework of controversy which is determined by the agenda setting and capabilities of evidence gathering. In line with this, two points such as science literacy of the legal profession and collaboration between lawyer and scientists can be elicited. On the other hand, there is fundamental difference as for the purpose of scientific controversy between two types of trail. In line with this, another point such as channel from court to policy can be elicited.