Course title
S24430001
Introduction to Jurisprudence

 HONDA Mari
Middle-level Diploma Policy (mDP)
Program / Major mDP Goals
Department of Architecture 3. 3．自然科学や人文社会科学に関する知識を援用して、建築にかかわるさまざまな事象を論理的に説明することができる
Department of Architecture 5. 5．豊富な教養と専門知識を統合、駆使して、種々の制約条件や解決するべき課題を整理・分析し、合理的な方法によって建築をデザインすることができる
Purpose of class
The course aims to help students understand legal norms and to develop a legal perspective on problems that occur in society.
Course description
Norms or rules of law maintain the order of our daily lives regardless of our awareness of them. In our social activities, we must understand these legal norms.
This course deals with the law relevant to daily life and applicable or necessary to current topics. It also cultivates awareness in students’ legal minds toward problems that occur in society. Students are expected to summarize and explain their thoughts, listen to the opinions of other students, and deepen their thoughts.

* The first session, as well as the midterm and final exam sessions, will be conducted face-to-face.

Omiya: Spring/Fall, Monday 3rd period
Toyosu: Spring/Fall, Thursday 3rd period
Goals and objectives
  1. To obtain and explain basic knowledge (technical terms) about the law
  2. To learn legal norms in daily life and maintain awareness as a person concerned about his or her society
  3. To apply practical legal knowledge (acquire wisdom) to adjust human relations in the community
Relationship between 'Goals and Objectives' and 'Course Outcomes'

 Submission of Documents, etc. Midterm Examination Final Examination Total.
1. 15% 10% 10% 35%
2. 15% 10% 10% 35%
3. 10% 10% 10% 30%
Total. 40% 30% 30% -
Evaluation method and criteria
The allocation of the overall grade for this course is presented below:
・Submission of Documents, etc.: 40%
・Midterm Examination: 30%
・Final Examination: 30%
To pass the course, students must earn at least 60 points of 100. Students can score 60 points or more if they can state their opinions and answer questions in assignments and examinations, about topics discussed in class and key topics in the textbook.
Students are required to attend at least two-thirds of the total number of classes. If this requirement is not fulfilled, credit will not be awarded.
Language
Japanese
Class schedule

 Class schedule HW assignments (Including preparation and review of the class.) Amount of Time Required
1. Guidance, Legal Terms Confirm the syllabus and the precautions 70minutes
2. Base of Jurisprudence: What is the Law? Read [Textbook]
Break①−⑦ 		120minutes
3. Criminal Law (Meaning of “Crime” and “Punishment”)

* Revisions of the Penal Code in 2022 		1st Chapter　1−2 120minutes
4. Criminal Law (Principle of Legality, Conditions of Crime) 1st Chapter　3−4 120minutes
5. Criminal Procedure Law (Case, Criminal Investigation, Prosecution)

* Revisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure in 2016 and 2023 		2nd Chapter　1−3 120minutes
6. Criminal Procedure Law (Public Trial, Appeal and Retrial, Procedure) 2nd Chapter　4−6 120minutes
7. Midterm Examination
Post-examination Discussion 		Coverage: Basis of Jurisprudence and Criminal Law (Topics dealt with in épisode 1) 600minutes
8. Tort Law (Insurance, Negligent Liability, Damages) 3rd Chapter 120minutes
9. Contract Law (Individual Autonomy, Capacity, Default)

* Revisions of the Civil Code in 2017 and in 2018 		4th Chapter 120minutes
10. Family Law (Parent and Child, Husband and Wife)

* Revisions of the Civil Code in 2019, 2022 and 2024 		5th Chapter 120minutes
11. Preparation for a Paper: Attend a trial or have a group discussion Confirm the handout 180minutes
12. Constitution of Japan (Governing Structure) 6th Chapter 120minutes
13. Constitution of Japan (Fundamental Human Rights) 7th Chapter 120minutes
14. Final Examination
Post-examination Discussion

Conclusion 		Coverage:
Basis of Civil Law and Constitution of Japan (Topics dealt with in épisode 2 and épisode 3) 		600minutes
Total. - - 2650minutes
Feedback on exams, assignments, etc.
ways of feedback specific contents about "Other"
Feedback in/outside the class. 担当教員の説明をよく聴くこと。
Textbooks and reference materials
Textbook: Shigenori Matsui et al., Hajitemteno Hôritsugaku 7th Edition, Yuhikaku, 2025.

Reference materials: Introduced during class.
Prerequisites
・Please be aware of problems in daily life with relevance to the law.
・Please read the syllabus and attend the first class.
・Please prepare an Internet-capable (Wi-Fi-enabled) laptop. On ScombZ, handouts will be distributed and quizzes, etc. will be given.
Office hours and How to contact professors for questions
  • In spare time after class
  • Office hours:
    Omiya: Wednesday 15:20−16:00　Laboratory (4508-2)
    Toyosu: Friday 12:40−13:20　Lecturer’s Room (04M25)
    It is desirable to make an appointment by e-mail.
Regionally-oriented
Non-regionally-oriented course
Development of social and professional independence
  • Course that cultivates an ability for utilizing knowledge
Active-learning course
More than one class is interactive
Course by professor with work experience
Work experience Work experience and relevance to the course content if applicable
N/A N/A
Education related SDGs:the Sustainable Development Goals
  • 3.GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
  • 4.QUALITY EDUCATION
  • 10.REDUCED INEQUALITIES
  • 16.PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS
Last modified : Sat Mar 14 14:41:13 JST 2026