No Helmets in Court, No T-Shirts on Death Row: New Left Trial Support Groups

At the entrance to every district court building in Japan, and outside every courtroom inside these buildings, a sign lists the rules of behavior for trial observers. The current version for Tokyo District Court translates as follows: The Following Are Prohibited in Court Bringing guns, weapons, explosives or other dangerous items into court Coercing employees for visits with prisoners Protest actions, group meetings, and sit-ins Singing, shouting, or making other disruptive sounds Flags, vertical or horizontal banners, placards, megaphones, sound cars, or helmets Wearing headbands, sign-vests, armbands, etc. Bringing cameras or recording equipment to court Anything else that disrupts administration