The risk of an earthquake causing critical damage to a nuclear power plant has been the subject of lawsuits filed by residents in various parts of Japan over the years, but to date none of these legal actions has led to the actual suspension of a plant. Since the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant crisis triggered on March 11, criticism is being directed at judges because of their tendency to side with the state and power companies. The courts have been inclined to accept arguments that nuclear power plants are safe, citing the highly technical nature of atomic power generation. In light of the ongoing Fukushima crisis, however, critics say the judges should be held accountable for abandoning their responsibility to properly scrutinize such details. The focal point of the debate is the degree to which judges are capable of deliberating on the complexities of nuclear power generation. [refers to Shikoku Electric Power, Hokuriku Electric Power, Tokyo Electric Power, Chubu Electric Power]