The suspects face charges of negligence resulting in death in the Sept. 30, 1999, accident at the plant 70 miles northeast of Tokyo.

"If he were in Japan, he would be fired and indicted on charges such as professional negligence resulting in death," Mr. Terata told the Kyodo news service.

Two people from the Sennichi Department Store and two people from the Playtown Cabaret were indicted for occupational negligence resulting in fire and casualties.

Jain accused the securities professionals of negligence resulting in the misappropriation of his children's trust shares, but lower courts dismissed Jain's complaints, citing federal law which prohibits lawsuits blaming security companies for risky trades.

And three former company presidents await trial on criminal charges of professional negligence resulting in death.

Six individuals were arrested in conjunction with the blaze, on charges of professional negligence resulting in death.

Thus s2(1) of UCTA 1977 nullifies contractual provisions and notices excluding or restricting liability for negligence resulting in death or injury.

The Satos asked prosecutors last September to try Mr. Uehara on charges of professional negligence resulting in death.

Ms. Tesler, who sued the city and Board of Education for negligence resulting in her permanent brain damage, agreed to settle her suit out of court for $500,000.