This article is an electronic version of an article originally published in Cultic Studies Journal, 2001, Volume 18, Part 2, pages 36-42. Please keep in mind that the pagination of this electronic reprint differs from that of the bound volume. This fact could affect how you enter bibliographic information in papers that you may write.

The Crimes and Teachings of Aum Shinrikyo

Hiroshi Hirata, Attorney at Law

Abstract

The beliefs and crimes of Shoko Asahara’s Aum Shinrikyo and societal responses, police in particular, are reviewed. It is concluded that the most important lesson to be derived from the case of Aum is that authorities must be prepared to enforce existing laws when violated by religious organizations as vigorously as they do when violated by nonreligious organizations.
 

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