Editing Constitution of Japan (section)

=== Other provisions (Articles 97–103) ===
Article 97 provides for the inviolability of fundamental human rights. Article 98 provides that the constitution takes precedence over any "law, ordinance, imperial rescript or other act of government" that offends against its provisions, and that "the treaties concluded by Japan and established laws of nations shall be faithfully observed". In most nations it is for the legislature to determine to what extent, if at all, [[treaty|treaties]] concluded by the state will be reflected in its domestic law; under Article 98, however, [[international law]] and the treaties Japan has ratified automatically form a part of domestic law. Article 99 binds the Emperor and public officials to observe the constitution.

The final four articles set forth a six-month transitional period between adoption and implementation of the Constitution. This transitional period took place from 3 November 1946, to 3 May 1947. Pursuant to Article 100, the [[1947 Japanese House of Councillors election|first House of Councillors election]] was held during this period in April 1947, and pursuant to Article 102, half of the elected Councillors were given three-year terms. A [[1947 Japanese general election|general election]] was also held during this period, as a result of which several former House of Peers members moved to the House of Representatives. Article 103 provided that public officials currently in office would not be removed as a direct result of the adoption or implementation of the new Constitution.