Introduction

The comparative commentary regarding the role of the apology in dispute settlement has in large part revolved around the U.S.-Japan axis. Beginning with the pioneering work of Professors Hiroshi Wagatsuma and Arthur Rosett,[1] commentators have argued that cultural norms explain the Japanese tendency to apologize when one's actions have resulted in the significant injury of another and the U.S. inclination to refrain from apologizing or to deny responsibility in the very same situation.[2] The legal system in each country jibes with the respective societal inclination or ...