The Cabinet Legislation Bureau (内閣法制局, naikakuhōseikyoku) is a Japanese government agency which advises Cabinet members on drafting legislation to be proposed to the Diet. It acts as legal counsel for the Cabinet by examining bills, orders, and treaties. It also presents opinions on legal matters to the Prime Minister and other Cabinet Ministers.
Bureau departments
In support of its opinion-giving and examination roles, the Bureau is divided into four departments:[3]
First Department
The First Department does opinion-giving work. It gives opinions. It interprets existing laws and pending legislation for the Executive Branch. Of course, the actual interpretation of the law is performed by the courts. The Constitutional Archives Research Office is also located in the First Department.