The special antiterrorism law that expires Nov. 1 is the hottest dispute in domestic politics and could even determine the fate of Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and his administration.

The stalemate over extending the law led in part to Shinzo Abe's resignation as prime minister in September, and observers say it could even prompt Fukuda to dissolve the Lower House and trigger a realignment of political forces, if the opposition camp's resistance prevails.

Following are basic questions and answers about the law and issues related to it: