Abstract
In Japan, ethics in the professional conduct of attorneys are often perceived merely as moral principles. This is based on the historical effort by the Japanese judiciary to "remain outside of politics." The Attorneys Act of Japan defines attorneys as soldiers of freedom and democracy. However, such duty has not been recognized in practice. One perspective on the role of licensed attorneys is that they are a part of the system of politics, in that they work for the interests of the general public.
The recent judicial reform redefined the relationship between individuals and the government. It proposed a new model of law and society where self-disciplined individuals work for the common good in the public arena. The role of professional attorneys is to adopt those individuals as equal partners and support their battles for freedom and democracy. This support should be based on a harmonizing of the public interest, advocacy for the client and personal profit. Professional ethics exists to balance these three imperatives.
