December 20, 1977

Article on Japan's clannish, insular econ structure, characterized by statutory protectionism that blocks sale of imports; nation is generally considered to have more nontariff trade barriers than any other major indus country; some of its trade restrictions listed; many were established after World War II to protect infant industries, which were preparing themselves for heavy exports; illus (M)

Detroit Fed Dist Ct Judge Philip Pratt, in order accusing Govt prosecutors of 'persistent misconduct,' orders new trial for nurses; they are free on bond; Perez and Narciso illus (M)

NYS Appeals Ct rules that press should be excluded from pretrial hearings on admissability of evidence, unless press could prove that public had 'overwhelming interest' in keeping proceedings open (M)

Article in series on bank regulation finds questionable practices disclosed in Lance case and disavowed by bankers as extraordinary are most common in South and Southwest (L)

Repr John Brademas says there was consensus at meeting with Pres Carter and White House officials on need for 'jobs program targeted at structural unemployment' (M)