Apple Daily: Serious discussion on death penalty
Minister of Justice Wang Ching-feng tendered her resignation Thursday amid an uproar triggered by her remarks that she would insist on stays of execution for death row inmates. Consensus is difficult to come by on the issue of the death penalty. However, the attitude adopted by Taiwanese society in discussing the issue deserves critical examination.
Whether the death penalty should be abolished is a profound and serious issue that involves a broad range of disciplines, including law, philosophy, sociology, politics, religion, life sciences and ethics. It cannot be dealt with emotionally, but this is exactly what Taiwanese society does.
Over the past few days, we have seen many death penalty supporters express their views in manners that are quite emotional. But there has been no serious discussion focusing on the brutal nature of the penalty and the danger of wrong convictions.
It is foreseeable that when the same issue re-appears next time, people will fight over it all over again, without any new arguments.
The developments over these last few days show that Taiwanese society’s understanding of the death penalty is insufficient. The academic sector should take the lead in holding cross-discipline discussions before expanding the participation to the media, legislature and civic forums, to facilitate the building of consensus. (By Y.F. Low)
More Info: http://www.taiwanheadlines.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=182373&CtNode=39
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