And finally… Tokyo trial

Takashi Takano has appealed to the Tokyo High Court after Taro Kageyama, of the Yokohama District Court, made him unplug his machine from a socket beside his seat. He was told that defending his client was a “private activity” and that he was not entitled to use public resources.

He argues that defence lawyers undertake a public function under the Japanese constitution. Article 37 states: “The accused shall have the assistance of competent counsel who shall, if he is unable to secure the same by his own efforts, be assigned by the state”.

He told the Asahi newspaper: “Computers are essential for proper defence. (The order) violates a right specified in the constitution.”