Under the SOFA, how are legal disputes involving personnel generally handled?

The correct approach for handling legal disputes involving personnel under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) is by following U.S. military law and procedures. This reflects the understanding that U.S. personnel stationed in Japan are primarily subject to U.S. military jurisdiction for offenses committed while on duty and under certain conditions.

The SOFA establishes that, in many cases, the U.S. retains jurisdiction over its personnel, which means that legal proceedings, including any disputes or criminal offenses, generally fall under military law rather than local Japanese laws. This arrangement is designed to protect the rights and operate under the standards of the U.S. military justice system, while also recognizing Japan's sovereignty.

Using solely local Japanese law would not encompass the unique legal considerations applicable to U.S. personnel and may undermine the operative military regulations. Similarly, while a combination of U.S. and Japanese legal systems might come into play for specific situations, the predominant framework remains U.S. military law for personnel in relation to their duties. International law does provide a broad context but does not specifically govern the nuances of how personnel disputes are managed in practice under the SOFA.