The Paris Bar has been addressing issues regarding the abolition of the death penalty even though France abolished its death penalty system in 1981. It has been concerned with issues surrounding the Japanese death penalty system and sent a letter on that topic to the Japanese Minister of Justice last autumn. The Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA) held a symposium to learn from the experiences of the Paris Bar concerning their activities aiming toward the abolition of the death penalty system.
Mr. Jean-Yves Le Borgne, Vice President of the Paris Bar, gave a keynote speech and participated as a panelist in a panel discussion. He presented many interesting and thought-provoking viewpoints, among them comments such as: “Albert Camus said that the death penalty was an administrative murder based on the deterrent effect which was unable to be verified. In France, 30 years have passed since the death penalty was abolished but the number of brutal crimes is decreasing.” “Death penalty systems are connected with cultures in respective regions and it is not easy to abolish them. In France, a provision was established in 1795 aiming to abolish the death penalty when peace was restored, but it took approximately 200 years until the death penalty was completely abolished.” “As we can see from the experiences in France, when a country starts to hide the death penalty from the public, it means a step towards its abolition has been taken by the country, although hiding the death penalty could also lead to a risk of making it merely an abstract issue.” “Currently, abortion is legal but it used to be regarded as quasi-murder and was punished by death. What is viewed as justice by human beings is uncertain and changes with time.” “The guillotine is now seen in exhibitions and as a relic in museums as evidence of cruelties in the past. The abolition of the death penalty is the inevitable path for history and human beings.” “Needless to say, families of victims seek justice. However, a respectable justice system should not place priority only on the families of victims but should fairly give both parties opportunities to voice their opinions.” “To what extent should a democracy respect and incorporate public opinions. In France, the death penalty was abolished not only by reflecting public opinion but also by a brave decision of politicians in the face of public opinion.”