Taiwan - September 2024

On 20 September, Taiwan’s Constitutional Court ruled that the death penalty remains constitutional for “the most serious crimes” while imposing stricter limitations on its application. While some legal and rights experts expressed disappointment that the death penalty was not entirely abolished, they acknowledged that the ruling represents a modest but important step toward reducing death sentences and advancing criminal justice reforms in Taiwan.  The decision was made in response to a legal challenge by 37 death row inmates and took effect immediately. The Court also directed the government to amend several criminal procedural laws within two years to enhance protections for the right to life and due process. These include requiring unanimous sentencing by a judicial panel, banning sentences for defendants with psychological disabilities and strengthening protections during criminal trials.

Sources: Taipei Times, Human Rights Watch, Nikkei Asia, The Death Penalty Project